Heat affects those in independent living situations more than younger people

Researchers from the University of Ottawa recently concluded a review of several studies and found that older people, especially those with certain chronic conditions, are more likely to suffer adverse effects from too much heat exposure than younger persons.


Outside of age, elderly diabetes patients and those suffering from heart disease and breathing problems have a higher probability of developing heat stro

ke, exhaustion or cramps, according to the findings published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.


"New research should focus not only on filling these gaps in the science-based information but also on developing clinical guidelines for health professionals to facilitate the giving of advice to patients," noted lead author Dr Glen Kenny, who found that little scientific work had been done outside of studies on sweat loss and cooling.


Kenny has called for a more holistic approach that studies the effects of heat regulation on the entire body for aging populations.


Steps that can be taken by older people to limit their risk include installing air condition, which eliminated 80 percent of heat-related illness reports, or less expensive fans to reduce the chances by 30 percent.


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