Why is my 70 year old so cold? Understanding Senior Cold Sensitivity

Studies show that as people age, their core body temperature can naturally decrease. If you are wondering, why is my 70 year old so cold?, understanding the various physiological and health-related factors at play is crucial for providing effective care and ensuring their comfort and safety.

Quick Summary

A 70-year-old may feel colder due to a naturally slower metabolism, reduced insulating fat, and less efficient blood circulation. It could also indicate underlying health issues like hypothyroidism or anemia, be a side effect of medication, or a result of dehydration.

Key Points

• Slowing Metabolism: As people age, their metabolism decreases, leading to less body heat production and a lower core body temperature.

• Medical Conditions: Persistent coldness can be a sign of underlying issues such as hypothyroidism, anemia, or cardiovascular disease, requiring medical evaluation.

• Poor Circulation: Reduced blood flow to the hands and feet is common in seniors, contributing to the sensation of being cold, and can be addressed with light activity.

• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, especially for blood pressure, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature.

• Environmental Control: Ensuring the home is properly heated, dressed in layers, and providing warm drinks are practical ways to manage cold sensitivity.

• Hypothermia Risk: Caregivers should be aware of the increased risk of hypothermia in seniors and monitor for symptoms, as their body's response to cold is less effective.

Age-Related Physiological Changes

As the body ages, several natural changes occur that directly impact temperature regulation. These shifts can make a 70-year-old more sensitive to cold environments than a younger person.

Slower Metabolic Rate

Metabolism is the body's process of converting food into energy, which also generates heat. With age, this process naturally slows down, meaning the body produces less heat to maintain a stable core temperature. This can be a primary reason for a persistent feeling of cold.

Diminished Subcutaneous Fat

Subcutaneous fat, the layer of fat located just beneath the skin, acts as a natural insulator, helping to conserve body heat. Beginning around age 70, this fat layer can thin considerably, reducing the body's ability to retain warmth and making the individual feel colder.

Poor Blood Circulation

Aging can affect the cardiovascular system, with blood vessels becoming less flexible and narrower over time. This reduced elasticity and blood flow, especially to the extremities like the hands and feet, can make these areas feel colder than the rest of the body. A less efficient circulatory system means heat isn't distributed as effectively throughout the body.

Less Efficient Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation, the body's ability to maintain its core internal temperature, becomes less efficient with age. The body's sensory systems may not perceive temperature changes as quickly, and the internal mechanisms that constrict blood vessels to conserve heat may not respond as effectively, leading to increased heat loss.

Medical Conditions that Cause Cold Sensitivity

Beyond normal aging, several health conditions can contribute to an increased intolerance for cold. If the cold sensation is new, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms, a medical evaluation is warranted.

• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland produces fewer hormones responsible for regulating metabolism. A slower metabolism directly results in less body heat generation and increased cold sensitivity.
• Anemia: A condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. This can result in poor circulation and a persistent feeling of cold, especially in the hands and feet.
• Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) that affects temperature sensation, as well as peripheral artery disease (PAD), which impairs blood circulation to the limbs.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Heart conditions and problems with blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, can impede circulation. When blood flow is restricted, the body prioritizes sending blood to the vital organs, leaving the extremities colder.
• Kidney Disease: The kidneys help regulate body temperature, and impaired kidney function can disrupt this process and cause a person to feel cold.
• Raynaud's Phenomenon: This condition causes smaller arteries to narrow in response to cold or stress, restricting blood flow to the fingers and toes and causing them to feel cold and numb.

Medication Side Effects and Other Factors

Certain medications and lifestyle choices can also play a role in making a person feel colder.

• Medication Side Effects: Some medications, particularly beta-blockers for high blood pressure, certain antidepressants, and antipsychotics, can affect the body's temperature regulation.
• Low Body Mass: Individuals who are underweight may lack the insulating fat necessary to stay warm, making them more vulnerable to temperature changes.
• Dehydration: Adequate hydration is crucial for regulating body temperature. Dehydration can strain the circulatory system, affecting blood flow and making a person feel colder.
• Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to poorer circulation and a slower metabolism. Simple movements can help generate body heat and improve blood flow.
• Infection: In older adults, an infection may not present with a fever. Instead, a persistent feeling of cold or a lower-than-normal body temperature can be the only sign of illness.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While some cold sensitivity is a normal part of aging, it is important to know when to consult a doctor, especially if the symptoms are new or accompanied by other concerns. You should seek medical advice if the coldness is persistent, worsens, or is associated with fatigue, paleness, or significant weight loss. A doctor can help diagnose any underlying medical conditions and determine the appropriate course of action.

Practical Strategies for Keeping Warm

To help your 70-year-old loved one feel more comfortable and safe, consider implementing these practical strategies.

Adjusting the Environment

1. Maintain a warmer home: Keep the thermostat set to a comfortable temperature, such as between 68°F and 72°F. Close off unused rooms to conserve heat.
2. Seal drafty areas: Use weather stripping or caulk to seal leaks around windows and doors. Keep curtains closed at night to insulate rooms.
3. Utilize heat aids: Heated blankets or seat covers can provide targeted warmth while watching TV or resting. Space heaters can be used cautiously, with a focus on safety precautions.

Lifestyle and Caregiver Support

1. Layer clothing: Encourage wearing multiple loose-fitting layers, including socks, sweaters, and scarves, which trap heat more effectively than one heavy garment.
2. Encourage regular movement: Simple activities like walking around the house or gentle exercises can boost circulation and generate body heat.
3. Provide warm food and drinks: Offer hot soups, herbal teas, or warm water throughout the day to help regulate internal temperature.
4. Prioritize hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake, as seniors can have a diminished sense of thirst.
5. Review medications: Consult with their doctor to review current medications and their potential side effects related to cold sensitivity.

Underlying Cause Comparison

Cause	Description	Management Approach
Slowing Metabolism	Natural decrease in heat production with age.	Encourage light activity, ensure adequate nutrition, and maintain a warm environment.
Poor Circulation	Reduced blood flow to extremities due to aging blood vessels or conditions like PAD.	Promote gentle exercise, wear warm layers on hands and feet, and elevate legs.
Hypothyroidism	Underactive thyroid gland leading to a slow metabolism.	Requires medical diagnosis and treatment with hormone replacement medication.
Anemia	Deficiency in healthy red blood cells, impairing oxygen delivery and heat production.	Medical treatment, often including iron supplements, and dietary adjustments.

Conclusion

While feeling colder is a common and normal part of aging, a persistent or new sensitivity to cold in a 70-year-old requires attention. It's essential for caregivers and family members to understand the difference between typical age-related changes and signs of an underlying health issue. By addressing both the physiological shifts of aging and investigating potential medical causes with a healthcare provider, you can ensure your loved one remains warm, comfortable, and healthy. For more authoritative health information on aging, refer to the National Institute on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a 70 year old to feel cold all the time?

Increased cold sensitivity is a common part of the aging process, but it is not always 'normal'. While a slower metabolism and thinner fat layers play a role, a constant feeling of cold could also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, so it's wise to consult a doctor.

What medical conditions cause an older person to feel cold?

Several medical conditions can cause an older person to feel cold, including hypothyroidism, anemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions can affect metabolism, circulation, or the body's ability to regulate temperature.

Can dehydration make an elderly person feel cold?

Yes, dehydration can cause an older person to feel cold. Proper hydration is essential for regulating body temperature and maintaining good circulation. When dehydrated, the body works harder to circulate blood, which can lead to colder extremities.

How can I help a 70 year old who is always cold?

To help a 70-year-old who is always cold, ensure their home is warm, encourage them to wear layers of loose clothing, provide warm food and drinks, and support light physical activity to improve circulation. Using heated blankets or socks can also provide extra comfort.

Do medications contribute to feeling cold in seniors?

Yes, some medications can increase cold sensitivity. For example, beta-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, can slow the heart rate and reduce blood flow to the extremities, leading to a feeling of cold.

How can I tell the difference between normal aging and a medical issue for cold sensitivity?

If cold sensitivity is new, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like unusual fatigue, paleness, or sudden weight loss, it may signal a medical issue. A doctor's visit is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis and rule out a more serious condition.

Are older people at higher risk for hypothermia?

Yes, seniors are at a higher risk for hypothermia. Their bodies' reduced ability to regulate temperature makes them more vulnerable to dangerous drops in body temperature, even in moderately cool environments. It is important to monitor for signs and maintain a warm living space.