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Temperature Troubles in Seniors

Withstanding hot and cold weather and regulating body temperature becomes more challenging as people grow older. Medications, chronic ailments and entrenched habits contribute to increased risk of heat disorder (hyperthermia) and cold disorder (hypothermia). In addition to physical changes, lifelong habits and finances add to the problem. For example, many seniors don’t feel safe opening windows and hesitate to use the air conditioner or heater due to the cost of electricity. Seniors also tend to wear long–sleeve, dark, synthetic clothes, which hold in heat and don’t breathe.

Body temperature regulation
The body primarily cools through perspiration. As moisture on the skin evaporates, the body cools. Core temperature remains stable as long as fluid and salt are replenished. But if dehydration occurs, the body tries to conserve fluid loss by ceasing sweating. In order to perspire we have to have fluid on board. But older people begin to lose their sense of thirst. By the time an older person is feeling thirsty, he is already quite dehydrated.

Another contributing factor for temperature–related disorders in many older people is a change in the sensation of temperature. This may be due to changes in the skin, a thinner layer of fat just below the surface of the skin, or to changes in the actual sensation of heat or cold. In cold temperatures, the body attempts to keep warm by shivering. Thyroid conditions, circulatory ailments, strokes dementia, decreased mobility, medications and alcohol all impede an older person’s ability to keep warm.

Several other factors can make controlling body temperature difficult

Humidity hinders the cooling process, because perspiration doesn’t evaporate as quickly.
Conditions that alter blood circulation, such as high blood pressure, and inefficient sweat glands have an impact on temperature control, as does lack of conditioning.
Sedatives and tranquilizers may also decrease the body’s ability to cool down.
Diuretics or water pills increase the risk of dehydration.

Heat–related illnesses
A body that stops cooling creates a medical emergency.
Heat fatigue
The feeling of weakness after exposure to high temperatures. People may feel faint with cool, moist skin and a weak pulse.
Heat syncope
Usually occurs after exercising in the heat. The person suddenly feels dizzy. The skin becomes pale, moist and cool, the pulse weak and rapid.
Heat cramps
Painful muscle spasms after strenuous activity; can also be a sign of heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion
Occurs when the body becomes too hot. Thirst, weakness, fatigue, nausea and profuse sweating serve as warnings. If treatment is delayed, heat exhaustion can advance to deadly heat stroke.

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