PRACA POGLĄDOWA
Starzenie się, upał i zdrowie: zrozumienie i zapobieganie udarom cieplnym wśród osób starszych
Więcej
Ukryj
1
Wydział Lekarski, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, Polska
2
Wojewódzki Szpital Specjalistyczny we Wrocławiu, Polska
3
Wydział Lekarski, Uniwersytet Opolski, Polska
Zaznaczeni autorzy mieli równy wkład w przygotowanie tego artykułu
SŁOWA KLUCZOWE
DZIEDZINY
STRESZCZENIE
Wprowadzenie i cel:
Fale upałów stanowią poważne zagrożenie dla osób starszych, których zdolność do termoregulacji jest osłabiona z powodu zmian fizjologicznych związanych z wiekiem. Dodatkowo również czynniki społeczno-ekonomiczne zwiększają ryzyko wystąpienia udaru cieplnego. Celem artykułu jest analiza czynników ryzyka udaru cieplnego wśród osób starszych oraz przedstawienie strategii zapobiegania udarom, zarówno na poziomie indywidualnym, jak i społecznym.
Opis stanu wiedzy:
Zmiany fizjologiczne związane ze starzeniem się, takie jak upośledzona termoregulacja, zmniejszona wydajność pocenia się, osłabione poczucie pragnienia oraz obniżona zdolność adaptacji układu sercowo-naczyniowego, znacząco zwiększają podatność na wysokie temperatury. Współistniejące choroby przewlekłe oraz stosowane leki, szczególnie diuretyki i leki antycholinergiczne, dodatkowo pogłębiają te zaburzenia. Oprócz czynników biologicznych istotne są także aspekty społeczno-ekonomiczne i środowiskowe. Miejskie wyspy ciepła, złe warunki mieszkaniowe, izolacja społeczna oraz ograniczony dostęp do urządzeń chłodzących potęgują zagrożenie dla osób starszych w czasie fal upałów. Seniorzy o niskim statusie ekonomicznym, z ograniczoną mobilnością lub żyjący samotnie są szczególnie narażeni na śmiertelne skutki przegrzania.
Podsumowanie:
Artykuł podkreśla pilną potrzebę podjęcia skoordynowanych działań na poziomie indywidualnym oraz społecznym, aby zmniejszyć częstość występowania udarów cieplnych wśród osób starszych i chronić ich zdrowie podczas wysokich temperatur. Kluczowe znaczenie mają kampanie edukacyjne promujące odpowiednie nawodnienie, wczesne rozpoznawanie objawów udaru cieplnego oraz właściwe korzystanie z urządzeń chłodzących. Zachęca się do bezpiecznej aktywności fizycznej i utrzymywania kontaktów społecznych, gdyż takie działania również zwiększają odporność organizmu na wysokie temperatury.
Introduction and objective:
Heat waves represent a significant threat to the elderly, whose ability to regulate body temperature is compromised by age-related physiological changes. Additionally, socio-economic factors further increase the risk of heatstroke. The aim of the review is to analyze the risk factors for heat stroke in the elderly, and present prevention strategies, ranging from individual actions to community-wide measures.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Physiological changes associated with aging, such as impaired thermoregulation, reduced sweating capacity, weakened thirst response, and diminished cardiovascular adaptability, significantly increase vulnerability to high temperatures. Coexisting chronic conditions and medications, particularly diuretics and anticholinergics, further exacerbate these issues. In addition to biological factors, socio-economic and environmental aspects are also crucial. Urban heat islands, poor living conditions, social isolation, and limited access to cooling devices, intensify the dangers faced by the elderly during heat waves. Studies have shown that older individuals with low socio-economic status, limited mobility, or those living alone, are at particularly high risk of heat-related mortality.
Summary:
The review emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated individual and community interventions to reduce the incidence of heat stroke among the elderly, and safeguard their well-being during high temperatures. Educational campaigns promoting adequate hydration, early recognition of heat illness symptoms, and the proper use of cooling appliances are vital. Encouraging safe physical activity and maintaining social engagement are also essential to improve resilience.
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