The summer of 2023 marked some of the hottest days in history across the globe. Temperatures reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit On three continents in the northern hemisphere, affecting the health of millions.
Extreme heat can be deadly for anyone, but older adults are uniquely vulnerable. In the 2022 heat wave in Europe, where the vast majority of households do not have air conditioning, people aged 65 and older accounted for about 90 percent of heat-related deaths.
Data tells us the older population has an increased risk of getting admitted into the hospital due to heat waves and heat exposure. What’s going on here?
Researchers at Plymouth Marjon University in England hypothesize that thermoregulation, how the body maintains its internal temperature in response to the environment, is impaired in older adults. Their research article, published in the journal Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, looks at the mechanisms at play and what can be done to protect the health of older adults during heat waves.
First, we know that sweating keeps the body cool when it overexerts or in a situation where the internal body temperature could rise. Physiological studies document that older adults’ sweat glands don’t work as well, increasing the likelihood of heat strain.
Changes in blood volume and flow during aging also reduce the body’s ability to cope with heat, the study reported. However, there is some evidence that improving cardiovascular fitness is one way to mitigate this risk, and may be an important intervention for older adults.
Research shows older adults are less likely to perceive the discomfort caused by heat stress. This is problematic because it can prevent them from taking steps to cool themselves, such as seeking an air conditioned building or taking a cooling shower.
Researchers also evaluated the data about cooling interventions for older adults. Surprisingly, using a fan is not found to be effective for temperatures above 95 degree Fahrenheit. Wearing a wet t-shirt, submerging forearms in cold water, and drinking very cold ice water were all found to be effective ways to reduce the body temperature of older adults.
The researchers conclude by emphasizing the importance of raising awareness of heat exposure. One of the major takeaways from this article is that the older population has disregarded the impact heat exposure and climate change has on them. It is imperative that everyone, and in particular older individuals, are aware of climate changes and the effect it has on the human body.