§Reduced ability to feel heat,
due to healthconditions
or medication
Older adults also
have thinner skin than those of in-between ages. The same contact with a heat
source that burns a younger adult will cause an even deeper burn in an older
adult
The mobility gained
as one reached adulthood may now be declining. The decline may take the form
of slow or awkward gait, muscle weakness or fatigue, and slower reflexes. As
with small children, reduced mobility leaves older adults less able to react
quickly to an injury source and get out of danger.
While their brains
know very well what’s dangerous, older adults may not feel heat on their skin
as well as they used to. This can result from health conditions such as
diabetes, or medication which dulls their senses.
(Bridge) What other groups are at special risk of
scald injury?
