Effect of Aging on Thermoregulatory and Cardiovascular Changes during Bathing in the Elderly / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

  Background: Aging affects thermoregulation and can potentially cause cardiovascular changes during bathing in the elderly, possibly leading to accidents and, in worst cases, drowning. However, adequate data on this subject are lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of aging on thermoregulatory and cardiovascular changes during bathing in the older versus younger adults the relationship between body temperature and thermoregulatory and cardiovascular changes.   Methods: Ten young (mean age 20.4 years) and 10 elderly (mean age 69.7 years) participants were asked to bathe for 15 min using water at 41°C. Tympanic temperature (Tty), skin blood flow (SkBF), sweating rate (SR), blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and double product (DP) were measured. In addition, we measured subjective psychological changes during bathing. Results: The results showed significant changes in SkBF, SR, and HR in the young participants rather than in the elderly participants. However, in the elderly participants, significant change was noted in systolic blood pressure (SBP).   Conclusion: These results demonstrate changes in thermal adaptation and SBP owing to structural and functional progression due to aging.