Why do you feel colder as you age?

In your younger years, a light jacket at the end of winter was enough to keep you warm and comfortable. But as you age, this may change, and you might find yourself turning up the heat in your home and wearing extra sweaters to stay warm.

Your body temperature tends to drop as you age. Increased sensitivity to cold is often just another normal phase of the aging process. However, it can sometimes signal a more serious health problem.

Slowed Blood Circulation

As you age, blood vessels become less flexible and may not function optimally. They can’t circulate blood as efficiently as before, making it harder for your body to retain heat. In particular, cold hands and feet may indicate a circulation issue.

Thinner Skin

When you think of aging and your skin, wrinkles likely come to mind. However, as we age, the deeper layers of the skin thin out, making it harder for the body to retain heat.

Slowed Metabolism

According to researchers, by the age of 50, the number of calories your body burns at rest decreases by 30%. While a slower metabolism is often linked to weight gain, it also affects how your body regulates temperature. This is because metabolism drives many chemical processes that keep your body functional.

When your metabolic rate drops, these processes are affected, leading to increased sensitivity to cold. For instance, as metabolism slows, blood vessels may constrict more slowly, making it harder to conserve body heat in cold temperatures.

Serious Health Conditions

Some common disorders in older adults, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and anemia, can hinder blood flow and lower body temperature. Additionally, thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism, affect your metabolic rate and your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Side Effects of Medication

As we grow older, we’re more likely to face health issues requiring medication. Sometimes, the medications we take are the reason behind feeling colder. Medications used to treat high blood pressure are common culprits as they can reduce blood flow to the hands and feet.

Tips to Stay Warm

Although you may not be able to control your body’s ability to retain heat entirely, there are steps you can take to stay warm.

CREATED by:

“KORÇA BOOM”