Geriatrics
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A variety of age-related physiologic factors and disease states predispose older patients to hypothermia. These include a decreased ability to produce heat, malnutrition, medications, infections, and social factors such as isolation and poverty. ⋯ The challenge for the physician is to clinically recognize hypothermia and provide prompt diagnosis and treatment. Medical management of the older patient with moderate to severe hypothermia requires in-hospital intensive care, as life-threatening conditions may arise during stabilization and resuscitation.