Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, Vol 50, Issue 4 M216-M221, Copyright © 1995 by The Gerontological Society of America
Preferred room temperature of young vs aged males: the influence of thermal sensation, thermal comfort, and affect
NA Taylor, NK Allsopp and DG Parkes
Department of Biomedical Science, University of Wollongong, Australia.
BACKGROUND. While research has demonstrated that aged persons may show
impaired thermoregulatory control, we do not know whether dysthermia in the
aged results from altered behavioral or autonomic responses. Consequently,
we investigated age-related differences concerning the ability to regulate
room temperature. METHODS. Two groups of matched healthy males (22.9 yr and
66.9 yr) were subjects of this study. After equilibration at 24 degrees C
(rh 50%), chamber temperature controllers were set into cooling mode. Using
a dual position switch, subjects adjusted this temperature when air
temperature moved outside their preferred range. Switch operation resulted
in maximal cooling or heating, without a steady state. Subjective ratings
of thermal sensation, discomfort, and affect were provided at each
activation. RESULTS. Both groups controlled temperature equivalently: 24.9
degrees C (+/- 1.3, young) and 24.5 degrees C (+/- 1.5, elderly; p >
.05). At cold-induced change points, the skin temperatures of the calf,
thigh, chest, and hand were significantly lower in the elderly subjects.
During the heat-induced changes, chest, hand, upper arm, and mean skin
temperatures were also lower (p < .05). At cold-induced change points,
the elderly group felt colder (p < .05), were less uncomfortable (p <
.05), and felt better than the young subjects (p < .05). During heat-
induced changes, thermal sensation was equivalent, the elderly were more
comfortable (p < .05), and felt better (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS.
Assuming thermal discomforture drives behavior, it is possible that elderly
people may require a more intense thermal stimulus to elicit the
appropriate behavioral responses in the home. It is also possible that such
stimuli will result in a greater heat flow, elevating the risk of
dysthermia in the aged.
