Final answer:
Dangerously high body temperatures in the elderly can be attributed to decreased blood supply to the dermis and decreased sweat gland activity, leading to poor thermoregulation and an increased risk of heat-related issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to why dangerously high body temperatures can occur in the elderly.
The correct answer to this question is D. Decreased blood supply to the dermis and Decreased sweat gland activity.
As people age, several changes occur in the skin that can impact temperature regulation.
There is a reduction in the amount of sebum and sweat produced due to decreased activity in the accessory structures.
This results in reduced sweating ability, which is crucial for cooling the body through evaporation of sweat.
Additionally, aging can lead to a decline in blood flow in the dermis, which can also impact thermoregulation.
Both of these factors contribute to the increased risk of heat-related problems in the elderly.