Aging brings with it a series of physical changes, which are especially noticeable when the 60-year-old line is crossed. Some of them have to do with vital signs, such as body temperature. Because yes, as the years go by, the values that indicate this parameter vary. Although this is not the most important thing to take into account, but the fact that it is more difficult for the body to regulate its body temperature.
Body temperature is the measurement index used for the heat of the human body, something that is in charge of the metabolism of people, so it can vary from one to another. Just as it depends on age, for this reason, the same margin will not be used for the elderly as for children when it comes to identifying whether they are healthy or not.
Old age causes alterations in the body temperature of the elderly. In adults, the appropriate parameters range between 36.5 and 37 degrees. However, in older people, these figures vary between 33.5 and 35 degrees. But, as it has been anticipated, the main thing that must be controlled is that there are no sudden changes in temperature.
As the human body ages, it becomes increasingly difficult for it to regulate heat on its own. The action of the blood vessels to dilate when it is very hot or, conversely, to contract when it is cold, begins to not work as effectively. In addition, the loss of fat and the thinning of the skin influence this in the same way. For all these reasons, one of the risks for older people is suffering from hyperthermia or hypothermia.
It is important to adapt to the climatic conditions and carry out certain measures so that the elderly do not suffer from sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, if you are going through a few hot days, you must prioritize fluid intake and a diet with fewer calories and greater hydration. As well as avoiding exposure to the sun or physical activity in the hottest hours. And wear light clothing.
If the case is the opposite, to deal with the cold it is best to drink hot drinks, for example, infusions. As well as trying to keep the body warm with appropriate clothing and heat sources. In the event that there is a drop in temperature, it is not necessary to warm the extremities first, but rather the torso, but always without rubbing.
