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Is older colder or colder older? The association of age with body temperature in 18,630 individuals

Academic Article
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Overview

authors

  • Waalen, Jill
  • Buxbaum, Joel

publication date

  • May 2011

journal

  • Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences  Journal

abstract

  • In animal studies, caloric restriction resulting in increased longevity is associated with a reduction in body temperature, which is strain specific and likely under genetic control. Small studies in humans have suggested that temperatures may be lower among elderly populations, usually attributed to loss of thermoregulation. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 18,630 white adults aged 20-98 years (mean 58.3 years) who underwent oral temperature measurement as part of a standardized health appraisal at a large U.S. health maintenance organization. Overall, women had higher mean temperatures (97.5 ± 1.2°F) than men (97.2 ± 1.1°F; p < .0001). Mean temperature decreased with age, with a difference of 0.3°F between oldest and youngest groups after controlling for sex, body mass index, and white blood cell count. The results are consistent with low body temperature as a biomarker for longevity. Prospective studies are needed to confirm whether this represents a survival advantage associated with lifetime low steady state temperature.

subject areas

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging
  • Biomarkers
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Temperature
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Longevity
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
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Research

keywords

  • Biomarkers
  • Longevity
  • Lower body temperature
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Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC3107024

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1079-5006

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1093/gerona/glr001

PubMed ID

  • 21324956
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Additional Document Info

start page

  • 487

end page

  • 492

volume

  • 66

issue

  • 5

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