Aging and thirst: new study probes why seniors are prone to dehydration

This study looked at how healthy older adults (60+) handle water balance compared to younger people (18-30). Researchers measured a hormone called copeptin, which is linked to vasopressin, after giving either salt water (to stimulate the hormone) or plain water (to suppress it). The goal was to see if age-related changes in this hormone explain why elderly people are more at risk for dehydration or overhydration. The study involved 32 participants and was completed at a university hospital in Switzerland.