Q: Are elderly people more prone to heat stress than younger people?

Friday, July 16, 2010
photo provided

photo provided

A: Yes, for several reasons:

  • Elderly people do not adjust as well as to sudden changes in temperature.
  • They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
  • They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
Dr. Mark Meiler
Trident Senior Health Center

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