Symbolic image of healing and renewed quality of life after a burn injury.

Age and Burn Recovery: What You Need to Know About Quality of Life After a Burn Injury

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how age influences recovery and quality of life after upper body burns, and what it means for treatment and rehabilitation."

The global population is aging rapidly, with a significant increase in the number of elderly individuals. In Spain, for example, it's projected that over 34% of the population will be over 65 by 2066. With aging comes increased vulnerability to burn injuries due to factors like impaired balance, decreased physical strength, and cognitive decline.

Burns to the upper body can be particularly devastating, affecting both emotional and physical well-being, and significantly reducing the quality of life (QoL). Understanding how age influences recovery from these burns is essential for tailoring effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies.

A recent study investigated the impact of age on the QoL of patients who experienced upper body burns, focusing on those who had sustained burns at least two years prior to the study. By examining the experiences of both younger and older adults, the researchers aimed to identify age-related differences in recovery and overall well-being.

Does Age Really Matter in Burn Recovery? Understanding the Research

Symbolic image of healing and renewed quality of life after a burn injury.

The study, conducted at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, included 58 patients with burns exclusively on the upper body. The participants were divided into two groups: those aged 65 and younger and those over 65. Researchers collected demographic and clinical data, including the total burn surface area (TBSA), burn mechanism, medical history, length of hospital stay, and rehabilitation duration.

To assess QoL, the Spanish version of the Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS) was used. This questionnaire evaluates various domains of well-being, including physical health, mental health, social and sexual activity, and general health. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the two age groups and identify significant differences.

Study Design: An observational study involving 58 patients with upper body burns.
Participants: Divided into two age groups: 29 patients aged 65 and younger, and 29 patients over 65.
Data Collection: Demographic data, clinical information, and QoL assessments using the Spanish version of the BSHS.
Analysis: Statistical tests to compare the two age groups and identify significant differences.

The study revealed some interesting findings. While there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of burn mechanism, TBSA, length of hospital stay, or QoL domains, there were notable differences in other areas. Elderly patients had a higher prevalence of comorbidities such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Unfortunately, the elderly group also experienced a higher mortality rate.

What Does This Mean for Burn Treatment and Rehabilitation?

Despite the higher mortality rate among elderly patients, the study suggests that surviving patients in both age groups experience similar levels of QoL after burn injuries. This indicates that a standardized approach to rehabilitation, focusing on individual needs rather than age alone, may be appropriate. However, it's crucial to recognize and address the higher prevalence of comorbidities in elderly patients to improve overall outcomes.

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Everything You Need To Know

What was the main objective of the study conducted at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital regarding upper body burns?

The main objective of the study, conducted at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, was to investigate the impact of age on the quality of life (QoL) of patients who experienced upper body burns. The research aimed to identify age-related differences in recovery and overall well-being by examining the experiences of both younger and older adults, specifically comparing those aged 65 and younger with those over 65.

How did the study assess the quality of life (QoL) in burn patients, and what factors were considered?

The study assessed the quality of life (QoL) using the Spanish version of the Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS). This questionnaire evaluates various domains of well-being, including physical health, mental health, social and sexual activity, and general health. Researchers collected demographic and clinical data, including the total burn surface area (TBSA), burn mechanism, medical history, length of hospital stay, and rehabilitation duration.

What were the key findings regarding the differences between younger and older adults post-upper body burn injuries?

The study found no significant differences between the two age groups in terms of burn mechanism, total burn surface area (TBSA), length of hospital stay, or quality of life (QoL) domains. However, the elderly patients showed a higher prevalence of comorbidities such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and a higher mortality rate. Despite this, surviving patients in both groups experienced similar levels of QoL.

Why is understanding the impact of age on burn recovery crucial for treatment and rehabilitation?

Understanding how age influences recovery from upper body burns is essential for tailoring effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies. Because the global population is aging, with a projected increase in the elderly population, and because aging is associated with increased vulnerability to burn injuries, recognizing age-related differences helps in addressing specific needs and improving outcomes. It guides the development of personalized approaches rather than solely relying on age-based strategies.

What are the implications of the study's findings for burn treatment and rehabilitation, considering the differences in the elderly?

The study suggests that a standardized approach to rehabilitation, focusing on individual needs rather than age alone, may be appropriate for burn patients. However, the higher prevalence of comorbidities and the higher mortality rate among the elderly group highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these additional health challenges to improve overall outcomes. This could involve more targeted interventions, focusing on preventing complications, and providing comprehensive care to enhance the quality of life (QoL) for all patients.