Related Experiment Videos
Invited review: aging and human temperature regulation.
W Larry Kenney1, Thayne A Munce
1Noll Physiological Laboratory Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-6900, USA. w7k@psu.edu
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|November 6, 2003
Summary
Aging minimally impacts human temperature regulation despite increased mortality risks. This review summarizes age-related changes in thermoregulation during cold and heat stress, finding thermal tolerance largely preserved.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Gerontology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Aging affects human physiological functions, including temperature regulation.
- Previous comprehensive reviews exist, but a concise summary of current knowledge is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the effects of aging on human temperature regulation.
- To review age-related changes in thermoneutral, cold, and heat stress conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on aging and thermoregulation.
- Analysis of age-related effects on body temperature rhythms.
- Examination of physiological responses to cold and heat stress in older adults.
Main Results:
- Aging alters baseline body temperature and circadian rhythms.
- Cold stress responses show reduced vasoconstriction and metabolic heat production.
- Heat stress responses reveal age-related changes in sweating and cardiovascular function.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological data suggest increased mortality from extreme temperatures in older adults.
- However, studies controlling for factors like fitness and disease show thermal tolerance is minimally compromised by age.