Some bodies run hot while others are always cold. We all know someone who spends each night cuddled under a blanket on the couch or who can’t leave the house without bundling up in a thick coat. While this may be normal in the wintertime, it’s the case for some — especially the elderly — all year long.
If you or a loved one has been wondering, “Why am I so cold all the time?” there may be an explanation. Whether medical or genetic, there are a number of explanations for those who are regularly cranking up the heater.
Common Causes
As we age, there are a number of questions we begin to ask. What medical screenings do I need and when? Is it normal to have aches and pains at 60? How can I keep myself from feeling isolated? Am I getting enough vitamins from my diet?
But, one of the most common questions is, why am I so cold all the time? And, for that, there are many answers. Some of the most common causes of frequently feeling cold include:
- Lower body weight: The less body fat you have to insulate, the more sensitive you may be to the cold.
- Not eating enough: When you don’t consume enough calories, your body attempts to conserve energy and, in turn, produces less heat to keep you warm.
- Vitamin deficiency: The lack of vitamin B12 in your diet may cause anemia, which can often make you feel cold due to a lack of iron in your blood.
- Medications: Specific medications may cause you to feel cold as a side effect of the drug.
- Cardiovascular issues: Those living with conditions like heart failure and coronary artery disease may feel cold in their extremities due to restricted blood flow.
- Hypothyroidism: A common symptom of having an underactive thyroid is feeling cold as it slows down your metabolism and makes it more difficult for the body to regulate its temperature.
- Hormonal changes: Just as with hypothyroidism, changes in hormone levels may alter metabolism or make it difficult to regulate body temperature.
- Circulation issues: Those who are very sedentary, especially, may feel that they are often cold due to a lack of blood movement throughout the body.
- Nervous system disorders: Issues within the nervous system may alter a person’s perception, making them feel cold even when it is warm outside. This can also cause other symptoms, like pain, tingling or numbness.
- Dehydration: Sometimes, it can be something simple and easily fixable, like not consuming enough water.
The Cold and Old Age
While one or many of the above causes may be a factor in cold intolerance, other factors, like age or gender, may also play a role.
It’s commonly thought that the elderly often have a harder time regulating their body temperature or producing heat. But why is that? Many things can contribute, from slower metabolisms and thinning fat layers to specific diseases, like arthritis or Parkinson’s, which may make it more difficult than usual to bundle up.
Memory issues can also be a factor, as those with dementia may forget to take precautions to stay warm. In these cases, companion care and other types of assistance may be beneficial.
Gender sometimes plays a role as well, with scientific studies finding that women tend to have more body fat insulating their core, which can block blood flow to the arms and legs. Women also have a lower muscle mass and a lower metabolic rate plus different hormones, which can all lead to producing less heat.
Ways to Warm Up
When learning how to make a home safe for seniors, discovering ways to warm up and fight cold intolerance can be crucial in creating a comfortable space for you or your loved one.
One of the best ways to keep warm is by dressing in layers. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that keep body heat in and can be easily removed if you start to get too warm. Accessories like hats and gloves can also be a great way to add warmth, even if you’re just hanging out around the house.
Other ways that seniors can keep warm is with heated blankets, proper hydration, enjoying a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins, sipping warm drinks like tea and staying active so that their circulation is good.
In addition, some winter safety tips for seniors include weatherizing windows and doors with weather stripping to ensure that the heat stays in as well as keeping heaters serviced.
Get a Helping Hand
Whether it’s a reminder to put on extra layers of clothing, someone to bring you a warm blanket or assistance with making meals to intake more calories, another way to combat cold intolerance is with in-home senior care from FirstLight Home Care.
If you feel it’s time to stop asking yourself, “Why am I so cold all the time?” inquire about a personalized quote for in-home care or call 844-879-7300 to talk with your local FirstLight team.