skin sensitivity to hot temperatures gets reduced that may hurt the skin before it is realized by person that damage is occurring; greater sensitivity develops to cool temperatures due to decline in activity of sebaceous glands; further thinning of the skin enhances susceptibility of the elderly people to heat and cold
the blood vessels in the skin become unable to constrict or dilate sufficiently leading to poorer circulation, a decrease in the ability to maintain a normal body temperature occurs
heart slows down and is unable to pump blood through the body efficiently resulting in reduced energy and stamina for physical work among older people; decreased circulation underlies the cold sensitivity, particularly in the hands and feet
blood vessels loose elasticity with age resulting in accumulation of blood in the feet and legs; this leads to swelling (oedema) in the extremities
susceptibility to bone diseases such as osteoarthritis increases which in turn reduces the physical mobility of elderly; onset of other age related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes causes functional losses
ailments such as arthritis, stroke, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injury increases the possibility of impairment of mobility.
people with limited mobility face a skin problem called pressure ulcers due to impaired blood circulation in areas having bony prominences such as hips, shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, and the heels of the feet.
Participants