Why do we feel colder as we age?

As we get older, we are likely to experience more cold sensations. And aging causes certain changes that interfere with our ability to adapt to environmental temperatures, even if they are not extreme.

To find out why colds are dangerous for older people, we contacted Dr. Nieves Fernandez Letamendi, geriatrics specialist at the Quironsalud Zaragoza Hospital, who also told us about the warning signs and gave us tips for the winter season.

Why do older people get cold?

In fact, Body temperature does not change with age. A deterioration in its regulation, as well as adaptation to different environmental temperatures, is revealed.

This deterioration is associated with other aspects caused by aging, such as loss of subcutaneous fat, increased capillary fragility and decreased sweating.

For all this, older people feel cold even when the temperature is mild. In addition, they perceive overheating less intensely, so they may not develop a fever if they have an infection.

Risks of colds in older people

When it’s cold, our body loses heat. Thus, the skin’s blood vessels constrict in an attempt to maintain body temperature. This may cause high blood pressure in some older people.

Likewise, in such situations, special attention needs to be paid to people with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke or other conditions that affect mobility, as they may find it more difficult to dress properly, and if they do not, it may pose a greater risk of hypothermia and loss of health more quickly. warm.

Signs of hypothermia in older people

The following signs are observed:

• What do they feel drowsiness
• What do they represent? Withinflux
• what they have Pmild ulcer
• What they move with great difficulty

When we see these warning signs in low temperature conditions, the most appropriate solution would be cover them and consult emergency services.

What happens when an older person feels too cold

Sometimes, Feeling cold can be a sign of some medical conditions.therefore, monitoring for other possible secondary symptoms is recommended.

Among such diseases that can cause a feeling of cold are the following:

• Thyroid disease. Feeling extremely cold can be caused by a thyroid disorder. It may also be associated with poorer cognitive function, increased sluggishness, constipation, or unexplained weight gain.
• Undiagnosed diabetes. Excessive feeling of cold in older people may be associated with this disease. In this situation, they may also experience thirst, increased urination, and unexplained weight loss.

Therefore, when an elderly person feels severe cold, excessive in relation to the ambient temperature, we advise contacting a specialist to rule out another possible disease.