As people age, many changes come along in the process. One of the most overlooked changes is that senior adults tend to feel colder than when they were younger. It is not something that people associate with aging, but it is an important issue to consider

Why do seniors always feel cold?

There are several common reasons that contribute to this phenomenon. As we age, the skin naturally thins, along with the layer of fat underneath it. Along with the typical loss of muscle mass, these factors lead to senior adults having less of a natural barrier against the air. This can produce the effect of feeling colder.

Metabolism changes are also a factor. Metabolism breaks down nutrients from the food and drink consumed and breaks them down into energy. This helps the body regulate its own temperature. As the metabolism slows, the body receives less of the energy it needs to maintain its heat.

Blood circulation can also be a factor. Problems with blood pressure and blood circulation are common in the aging process and a decrease in either can lead to feeling colder in the extremities as blood works harder to get to them.

Being less active is also a contributing factor. It is common to stop doing some of the more physical things as the aging process progresses. Daily physical exercise helps build and maintain muscle mass and helps with blood circulation and blood pressure problems. Taking a walk many not seem like it could make a difference, but just the act of being active can help reduce these factors.

Medical issues may contribute to sensitivity to cold

There are many medical conditions that may add to the feeling of a chill or cold. Some of the more common conditions known to cause this include:

• Anemia
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Kidney disease
• Vitamin deficiency

While this is not a comprehensive list, these conditions can affect they way the body reacts. If these symptoms come on suddenly or even gradually and seem to persist, reach out to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Some medications to treat one of these conditions, could be causing the unfortunate side effect of feeling colder.