When you’re young, you don’t feel cold even if you roll around in the snow. When you get older, you feel the chill even if you are in a well-heated apartment compared to before, and your body shudders even if you wear extra clothes. I’m not sick, so why? The health media ‘livestrong’ recently reported on this.
Sensitivity to cold is often considered a sign of normal aging. However, sometimes it can be a sign of serious health problems. Dr. Alan Markland, associate professor of geriatric palliative care at the University of Alabama, explains why.
◇ Decreased blood circulation
As we age, blood vessels become less flexible. “When you get older, you can’t circulate your blood the way it used to,” says Dr. Markland. When blood vessels cannot pump blood properly, it becomes difficult to maintain body temperature. Cold hands and feet, in particular, can be caused by poor circulation.
◇ thin skin
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the subcutaneous layer (the innermost layer of skin) thins with age. The subcutaneous layer contains fat, so if it is thin, the insulation effect is reduced, making it difficult to preserve body temperature. Fat is a thermal blanket that warms the body. The thinner this blanket is, the more likely it is to feel the cold.
◇ Decreased metabolic rate
By the age of 50, the basal metabolic rate of the calories your body burns at rest decreases by regarding 30%. When your metabolism slows down, your body loses its ability to regulate its temperature. According to Harvard Health Publishing, metabolism is the chemical process that turns food into energy to support breathing, circulation, digestion and more. When your metabolism slows down, your blood vessels are less able to constrict to conserve body heat in cold temperatures.
◇ Possibility of disease
Certain diseases, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and anemia, can disrupt blood flow and lower body temperature. Hypothyroidism also affects the metabolic rate and the ability to regulate body temperature. Diabetes can damage nerves and lead to neurological disorders (such as numbness in the hands and feet). Neuropathy can make older people more vulnerable to hypothermia.
◇ Drug side effects
Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the hands and feet. According to the NIA, when the body’s ability to conserve heat cannot be controlled, it is necessary to increase the indoor temperature, replace windows or add insulation, dress warmly, wear clothes when sleeping, and maintain a healthy weight. If the symptoms of cold appear or worsen, it is good to see a doctor.
