–physiologic factors; thermoregulation mechanisms in older adults are more likely to be dysfunctional due to an
age-related decrease in the number of sweat glands and a decreased sweat gland response
–dehydration; older adults are at increased risk for dehydration due to a diminished sense of thirst, decreased total body
water, and decreased ability of the kidney to concentrate urine, and because they may try to manage bladder control
impairment by decreasing fluid intake
–mental status; mental illness, impaired cognition (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease), or a diminished perception of feeling warm
can all impair judgment, and decrease the likelihood that older adults will take appropriate actions to cool themselves
–income; because older adults are more likely to live on a fixed income or experience poverty, they may reside in homes
without air conditioning or without adequate ventilation, not purchase fans, or not use air conditioning
–isolation; social isolation may increase the risk for delayed diagnosis and/or treatment
–immobility; physical limitations and/or lack of transportation may prevent seeking treatment
–other conditions and factors; obesity, strenuous activity, heavy clothing, sunburn, and alcohol and/or illicit drug use
increase risk of developing a heat stress disorder
• In addition, failure of older adults to consider themselves at risk for heat stress disorders may prevent them from
implementing necessary precautions during heat waves(1)
–In a recent interview-based study of older adults aged 72–94years living in the United Kingdom, few respondents
considered themselves “old” or vulnerable to the effects of heat