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Stress in the Elderly /
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Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years and
older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people
for several reasons:
-
Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people 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.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It
occurs when the body becomes unable to control its
temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the
body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to
cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106°F or higher
within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or
permanent disability if emergency treatment is not
provided.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Warning signs vary but may include the following:
-
An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
-
Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness
that can develop after several days of exposure to high
temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of
fluids.
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