The risk of experiencing chronic health problems increases with age. Among those 65 and older, 93% have one chronic health condition, while 79% have at least two chronic health concerns, such as arthritis, diabetes, or cancer.
High blood pressure is also common among older adults, but it isn’t the only blood-related condition of concern. Hyponatremia poses a severe health risk and, in some cases, can be fatal.
Understanding what causes low sodium levels in the elderly and the symptoms of hyponatremia ensures you know when to seek medical care and the steps you can take to prevent hyponatremia.
What Is Low Sodium (Hyponatremia)?
A person’s blood sodium levels should fall between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter. When it’s 134 milliequivalents per liter or less, they have hyponatremia. Sodium levels affect the water levels in the human body, which can affect a person’s blood pressure, kidneys, and brain.
When someone has hyponatremia, their cells swell. When brain cells swell, the pressure can cause headaches and other severe symptoms, such as coma, seizures, and death.
What Causes Hyponatremia In The Elderly?
Several things increase the risk of low sodium levels in the elderly, including the following:
- Addison’s disease
- Adrenal gland insufficiency
- Amphetamines
- Chronic diarrhea
- Cirrhosis
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Diabetes insipidus
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Excessive water consumption
- Heart failure
- Hormone imbalance
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Primary polydipsia
- Severe burns
- Severe vomiting
- Surgery
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
Other risk factors include:
- Medications: Diuretics, antidepressants, and other medications can cause people to sweat or pee more than usual, leading to low sodium levels.
- Physical activity: People are more likely to consume a lot of water when physically active, increasing the risk of hyponatremia.
- Warm temperatures: Those living in warm climates are more likely to have issues with their sodium levels because warmer weather increases sweating.
Why Are Low Sodium Levels Particularly Concerning For The Elderly?
Low sodium levels are a serious concern for older adults because those who develop hyponatremia have an increased risk of severe health risks, including:
- Brain swelling
- Falls
- Mental decline
- Osteoporosis
- Seizures
Low Sodium Levels: Signs And Symptoms Of Hyponatremia In Seniors
Symptoms of hyponatremia include the following:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness/fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Muscle cramps, spasms, or weakness
- Vomiting
How Can Low Sodium Levels In Seniors Be Prevented?
Preventing hyponatremia begins with knowing what health conditions cause low sodium levels in the elderly and seeking treatment for any health conditions that increase the risk of hyponatremia.
You can also manage the risk of hyponatremia by controlling external risk factors. For example, if you live in a warm climate, you can reduce your exposure to the heat by staying in climate-controlled environments.
Those who are physically active can replace the electrolytes they lose from sweating by consuming sports drinks and snacking on crackers or beef jerky.
If you take medications that could cause hyponatremia, talk to your doctor about how to compensate for low sodium levels.
What Steps Do Skilled Nursing Facilities, Like Haven Health, Take To Prevent Low Sodium Levels In Residents?
Haven Health provides assisted living and skilled nursing care in Arizona. Our teams are experts in senior care and take all possible steps to mitigate health risks for our residents.
We maintain climate-controlled environments to prevent excessive sweating, which can cause hyponatremia. We also note any symptoms when residents engage in exercise programs or other physical activities and provide appropriate sports drinks or snacks to compensate for electrolyte loss.
At Haven Health, we also provide medication management, which includes noting and addressing concerns. Our skilled nursing teams communicate regularly and are aware of medication side effects, such as hyponatremia, and inform the medical team of any concerns that arise, allowing our doctors to adjust medications or recommend snacks and beverages to restore sodium levels.
How Haven Health Supports Seniors With Low Sodium Levels
In addition to intervening when medications or physical exertion affect sodium levels, our professionals at Haven Health monitor residents’ vital signs. Residents receive expert medical supervision and intervention when appropriate. Our team will also take steps to adjust your loved one’s medication, climate, or activity levels to treat hyponatremia.
At Haven Health, we believe expert care extends to each resident’s family, and we encourage family participation in developing care plans to ensure we address all your health concerns. We also provide education for family members to ensure they’re familiar with signs of hyponatremia that require medical intervention.
Contact us today to learn how your loved one can benefit from receiving expert care at Haven Health.
Benefits For Families
Those with family members at Haven Health can enjoy the peace that comes from knowing their loved one is receiving expert medical care and supervision in a controlled environment designed for their comfort and well-being.
Our professionals at Haven Health take all possible steps to ensure the health of all residents. We respond promptly to medical concerns, and we maintain a safe environment to mitigate health risks.
Expert Care At Haven Health
Haven Health provides expert medical care for all residents’ health issues, including hyponatremia. Our swift intervention and open communication ensure your peace of mind, knowing we treat all health concerns seriously and will take all appropriate steps to ensure your loved one’s well-being.
Sources:
Altomara, D., et al. (2023). Hyponatremia: Low Sodium Levels in the Blood.
Low blood sodium in older adults: A concern? (2025).
The Top 10 Most Common Chronic Conditions in Older Adults. (2025).