title: The ageing process increases the risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
abstract: Water is the largest single component of the body, making up between 45 and 75 per cent of the total body mass. A decrease in body fluid volume typically stimulates thirst which usually leads to increased fluid intake. However, large numbers of patients in A&E departments have a primary diagnosis of fluid and electrolyte imbalance or volume depletion. In the case of older people, this group has a diminished thirst response and decreased renal function making them at greater risk of developing dehydration.