Heat Waves Deaths

Some diseases may increase a senior’s risk of death during a heat wave. A Canadian report asks why.

Lab tests have shown that seniors are less able to detect heat than are younger adults. The report shows the body’s cooling responses, like sweating, are slower to kick in. Seniors take longer to respond to thirst, and  dehydrate more quickly. Obesity, diabetes and other conditions that affect seniors have an impact as well, researchers say. Heart disease raises the risk of fatal heatstroke by 30%, while obesity increases the risk by roughly 350%, the report shows. Other factors, such as economic condition and level of education, are also important. Seniors with lower financial ability may live in lower quality housing with inadequate ventilation, which may contribute to heat deaths.  

Researchers at the University of Ottawa say research should focus more on understanding seniors’ physical responses to high heat to determine better ways to help them cope. The review appears online in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

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