Thermoregulatory responses of young and elderly adults under temperature ramps

Abstract

As the world population ages, there is a growing focus on the health and well-being of elderly individuals. In line with this, research findings are now highlighting the potential threats that extreme climates pose to the health of the elderly. Therefore, this study aims to investigate age differences in thermoregulatory abilities under various temperature ramps. This study collected physiological and psychological responses from 20 elderly and 20 younger subjects in experiments involving four different temperature ramp types. The statistical approach was used to analyze the differences between ages and types of temperature ramps, and the results were analyzed in the view of thermoregulatory mechanisms. The results showed significant differences in thermoregulatory abilities between young and elderly subjects. By analyzing the overshooting and stabilization time, elderly individuals were found to have insensitive thermoreceptors and were more likely to have risks in maintaining homeostasis. Additionally, the study found that different types of temperature ramp affected thermoregulatory abilities differently for both age groups. This study can contribute by suggesting guidelines for elderly individuals regarding temperature ramps that can be formed outdoors and indoors.