What generally happens to temperature regulation ability in older adults?

In older adults, temperature regulation ability typically decreases due to a variety of physiological changes that occur with aging. As people age, their bodies often experience a decline in the function of thermoregulatory mechanisms, which can result from reduced physiological responses to temperature stimuli, impaired nervous system function, and decreased metabolic rate.

This decreased ability to regulate temperature makes older adults more susceptible to both heat-related illnesses and hypothermia. Factors such as changes in skin thickness, reduced circulation, and a diminished ability to sweat or shiver contribute to this decline. Consequently, older adults may not sense temperature changes as effectively as younger individuals, which can lead to increased risks in extreme temperature environments. Understanding these changes is critical for healthcare providers, especially in geriatric physical therapy, to ensure appropriate precautions are taken to safeguard the health and comfort of older patients.