Why elderly individuals with poor circulation would have a greater risk of suffering heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

Because blood circulation is one of the primary ways through which the body regulates its temperature. For example, in cold conditions, blood is withdrawn from the periphery (hands, feet, arms, legs) to warm and protect the internal organs. In hot conditions, blood is dispersed to the periphery to dissipate excess heat into the external environment. Poor circulation compromises this process, leading to greater health risks from both cold and hot environments.