Physiological responses to 9 hours of heat exposure in young and older adults. Part III: Association with self-reported symptoms and mood state
Gregory W. McGarr, Robert D. Meade, Sean R. Notley, Ashley P. Akerman, Brodie J. Richards, Emma R. McCourt, Kelli E. King, James J. McCormick, Pierre Boulay, Ronald J. Sigal, Glen P. Kenny
Abstract
Despite experiencing greater cumulative thermal strain during 9 h of passive heat exposure, older adults reported similar heat-related symptoms and lower mood disturbance than young adults. Furthermore, self-reported symptoms and mood disturbance were lower in older adults with common age-associated health conditions than young adults and healthy age-matched counterparts. Perceptual responses to heat in older adults can underestimate their level of thermal strain compared with young adults, which may contribute to their increased heat vulnerability.
Topics & Concepts
Young adultMoodAssociation (psychology)PsychologyMedicineInternal medicineClinical psychologyPsychotherapistClimate Change and Health ImpactsThermoregulation and physiological responsesFibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research