REVIEW PAPER
Aging, heat, and health: understanding and preventing heat stroke among the elderly
1
Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
2
Regional Specialist Hospital, Wrocław, Poland
3
Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, Poland
4
Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Wroclaw
These authors had equal contribution to this work
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
Health effects of environmental pollutionEnvironmental toxicology (physical, chemical and biological factors)Health effects of social factors
ABSTRACT
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.
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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