What is the average oral temperature of an elderly person?

The average oral temperature for an elderly person is often slightly lower than the standard adult average, which is typically around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Research indicates that many elderly individuals can have a normal range of body temperature that is closer to 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be due to several physiological changes that occur with aging, such as alterations in metabolism, which can affect body temperature regulation. Hence, 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit is commonly recognized as an acceptable average temperature for older adults, reflecting the natural shift in temperature norms that can happen as people age. Understanding these differences is important for health care providers when assessing the health status of elderly patients.