Vital signs and aging

Temperature control becomes less reliable

Usual body temperature changes little with healthy aging, but keeping it stable becomes harder. Less fat beneath the skin reduces insulation. Sweating also becomes less effective, and you may not notice overheating as readily. Older adults are therefore more vulnerable to both excessive heat and dangerously low body temperature.

Fever can be an important early sign of illness and may be the only sign for several days. Yet an infection may not cause a clear temperature rise in an older person. A normal reading does not rule out infection: other symptoms and vital signs also matter.

Pulse and breathing during rest and activity

Resting pulse often remains close to its previous rate. During exercise, it may rise more slowly and take longer to settle afterward. The highest heart rate you can reach generally decreases with age.

Breathing rate at rest usually changes little. Lung function gradually declines, but healthy older adults should still be able to breathe comfortably. New breathlessness should not be dismissed as an unavoidable feature of getting older.

Blood pressure and standing up

High blood pressure becomes more common with age. At the same time, pressure may fall when you stand, causing lightheadedness or dizziness. This is called orthostatic or postural hypotension and is often associated with medicines.

A very slow or fast pulse and rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, also become more common. A persistent change from your usual pattern needs interpretation alongside your symptoms, health conditions and treatment.

Medicines can alter the readings

Beta-blockers and digoxin can slow the pulse. Diuretics can contribute to low blood pressure, especially when you change position suddenly. Other blood-pressure medicines can also affect the response to standing.

Tell your clinician about dizziness, faintness or a new pulse change, including when it occurs relative to a dose. A medicine review may help identify the cause. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment on your own.

Practical everyday measures

It is useful to know your usual readings and to record symptoms with any measurements requested by your clinician. A single number is easier to interpret when the circumstances are clear.

• Rise gradually: first sit up, pause, and then stand with support if needed.
• Dress in adjustable layers in cold weather; in heat, seek a cool place and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest periods.
• Follow your agreed monitoring plan and take a list of medicines and recent readings to appointments.

When to seek help

Contact your clinician about unexplained fever, recurring dizziness, fainting episodes, persistent changes in pulse or breathing, or suspected infection even without fever. Describe how you feel as well as the measured values.

Confusion, loss of consciousness, very hot skin or rapid breathing during heat exposure can indicate heatstroke. Seek emergency help immediately and move the person to a cooler place while help is arranged.