Impact of physical activity and sedentarism on hydration status and liquid intake in Spanish older adults. The PHYSMED study.

INTRODUCTION: Data on hydration status in older adults are scarce and there are very few studies focusing on the impact of physical activity (PA) on drinking behavior.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of physical activity and sedentarism on fluid intake in Spanish elderly.

METHODS: 433 non-institutionalized Spanish older adults (58% females), aged 55-88 years, volunteered for the PHYSMED study. PA data were obtained by means of the Minnesota and EXERNET questionnaires. Population was divided into four groups: ILS (inactive and low sedentary), IHS (inactive and high sedentary), ALS (active and low sedentary) and AHS (active and high sedentary). Serum from fasting blood samples was analysed for osmolarity.

RESULTS: The mean of total liquid intake was 1,751 ± 628 mL/d. Significant differences were observed for total liquid intake between ILS/ALS and IHS/ALS (p < 0.001). ALS subjects consumed a higher amount of beverages such as water, juice, milk, coffee, sport drink, beer, wine and distilled drinks than the other PA groups. There was a significant difference for water intake between PA groups (p < 0.01). Serum osmolarity values were within references ranges in all subjects, and there was a signifi cant difference between PA groups (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Spanish older adults meet the DACH recommendations set by the German, Austrian and Swiss nutrition societies' liquid intake recommendations in the mean independently of PA and sedentary level. All participants are within reference ranges of serum osmolarity. Subjects in the active and low sedentary group consumed higher amounts of water and other beverages than in the other PA groups.