The 3 key points that make it harder for older people to tolerate heat

As we age, aging deteriorates our organs and the functions they are meant to perform. One of these is the loss of thirst, which can be dangerous in the event of heat stroke. But beyond this specific event, experts warn of the risk posed by biological changes in older adults, which make them more prone to heat-related illnesses.

So, in addition to their "thermostat" being less efficient , people over 65 must deal with some worrying figures: according to the World Health Organization , extreme heat-related mortality among older people has increased by 85 percent in recent years. Therefore, it is essential to take extreme precautions.

Why aging makes heat more dangerous

The aging process and extreme heat, according to experts, don't mix well. And why is this? Even if we're exceptionally healthy, aging makes us all more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. These include heat exhaustion (when the body struggles to regulate its temperature) and heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Over time, the body naturally loses its ability to cool itself. As geriatrician Dr. Wynnelena Canio told Health magazine: " Older adults tend to retain more heat than younger people and work harder to maintain a constant temperature." There are basically three reasons why the body must work harder , and doesn't always manage to do so, listed below.

1. Over the years, blood circulation becomes less efficient

When it's hot outside, your body works hard to cool itself and compensate; blood rushes to the skin, and blood vessels dilate to increase sweating , which helps regulate body temperature.

Richard Marottoli, a geriatrician at Yale Medicine, clarifies, however, that "as we age, age-related changes in the heart and blood vessels cause the body to transport blood less efficiently. Controlling temperature becomes more difficult."

2. Decreased ability to sweat

Aging decreases the ability to sweat, which impairs the body's natural cooling mechanism. This happens because, as we age, our skin thins , causing the sweat gland ducts to move closer to the skin's surface.

At the same time, collagen, a fiber-like protein used to form connective tissue, also decreases with age. This combination causes the ducts to become compressed, hindering the necessary release of sweat.

3. A higher risk of dehydration

The sensation of thirst, and the resulting need to drink, decreases over time, as does the kidneys' ability to regulate fluid and electrolyte balance. One study found that the glomerular filtration rate, a measure of kidney function, may begin to decline as early as age 40, indicating greater susceptibility to dehydration.

Additionally, older adults are also more likely to take medications, such as diuretics or sedatives, that cause dehydration or further impair the body's ability to sweat.

On the other hand, older adults are also more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses , which can be aggravated by extreme heat. "Anyone with heart, lung, kidney, electrolyte, or cognitive problems may be especially sensitive to this additional stress factor ," Marottoli explains.

What to do if you experience negative symptoms of heat?

Experts recommend cooling off quickly by applying cold water to your face and neck, then your hands and feet . If you have an ice pack and a cold compress, place them on your wrists, upper chest, upper back, and the base of your neck.

If this action doesn't relieve symptoms (which often begin with a severe headache, dizziness, fatigue, and palpitations), we should consult a doctor. Heat exhaustion can quickly progress to life-threatening heat stroke. Treatments, such as intravenous fluids and medications that support organ function , can aid in recovery.