Physiological changes

In old age there are many physiological changes in all organs and body systems. In this blog post, we will focus on the physiological changes that occur in the skin and the implications of the elderly in thermoregulation.

Physiological changes in the skin:

• Subcutaneous fat lost and sweat glands, thereby producing resulting loss of elasticity and wrinkling.
• Age spots appear.
• There are fewer sweat glands, which contributes to increased sensitivity to heat and cold.
• Skin atrophy and is prone to ulceration in elderly patients with lack of mobility.

 

As a result of some of these issues named, the elderly, affects the thermoregulation:

• They are more susceptible to hypothermia and hyperthermia.
• Reduction of muscle activity and chills.
• The food induced thermogenesis and glucose decreases.
• Vasoconstrictor response of skin arterioles cold decreases, preventing conserve heat.
• Delay to perceive the sensation of cold and heat.
• Decreased vasodilator response, requiring higher temperature for decreasing sweating and sweating.
 
 

Bibliography:

• Oubenaissa A, Bourgeois F, Biyiha N. Phenotypic markers of aging. Gerontological Year 2000, 14: 205-22.
• Kane R, Ouslander J, Abrass I. Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics. Ed Mc Graw Hill 1994, USA, pp. 4-14.