Abstract
Thermoregulatory function deteriorates with aging due to the decrease in sensitivity of thermal sensation and the delay of behavioral, and physiological regulatory responses. The reduction of muscle mass with aging reduces heat production. Cutaneous vascular response and sweating in response to heat are delayed. These deterioration of thermoregulatory responses shows wide individual variation and modified by many factors including physical fitness, body fluid balance and the degree of acclimatization to cold or heat. In addition, high incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases in the elderly leads to the higher incidences of thermal disorder, both in cold and heat. The integration of the knowledge of biometeorology including indoor climate, clothing and thermal physiology is important for the prevention of thermal disorders.
