Older individuals often report feeling colder than their younger counterparts. This perception is not merely anecdotal; it stems from physiological changes that occur with advancing age. The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature, known as thermoregulation, undergoes various adjustments, leading to increased sensitivity to cold environments. These changes collectively influence how heat is generated, conserved, and distributed throughout the body.
Changes in the Body’s Internal Thermostat
The body’s internal thermostat, located in the hypothalamus in the brain, plays a central role in regulating core body temperature. With age, the efficiency of this thermoregulation system can decline, making it more challenging for older adults to adapt to temperature changes. This reduction can manifest as a diminished ability to cope with cold.
A significant factor contributing to feeling colder is a decrease in basal metabolic rate (BMR), which represents the energy expended by the body at rest to maintain basic functions. BMR tends to decrease with age, largely due to a natural loss of muscle mass. This reduction means less internal heat is generated, as muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, burning more calories at rest.
The age-related decline in muscle mass, a condition known as sarcopenia, directly impacts heat production from physical activity. By age 75, approximately 50% of an individual’s total muscle mass may have vanished. Since muscle contraction generates heat, reduced muscle mass translates to less heat produced.
Reduced Natural Insulation and Circulation
Changes in the skin and subcutaneous fat layers also affect temperature regulation in older adults. The skin tends to thin with age, and there is a loss of the insulating layer of subcutaneous fat beneath it. This reduction diminishes the body’s natural insulation, making older individuals more susceptible to heat loss to the surrounding environment.
The circulatory system also becomes less efficient with age, impacting the distribution of heat. Blood vessels may become less elastic, and overall blood flow can decrease. This leads to poorer blood flow to the extremities, such as the hands and feet, causing them to feel noticeably colder than the rest of the body.
Impact of Underlying Health Conditions
Several medical conditions common in older adults can contribute to an increased sensation of cold.
Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, slows metabolism and reduces the body’s ability to produce heat. Symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin are also associated with this condition.
Anemia, characterized by a low red blood cell or hemoglobin count, impairs the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen throughout the body, affecting heat distribution. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and cold hands and feet.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) involves the narrowing of arteries, typically in the legs, which restricts blood flow to the limbs. This reduced circulation can make one or both legs feel significantly colder than the rest of the body. Cold weather can worsen PAD symptoms due to further constriction of blood vessels.
Diabetes can also contribute to feeling cold, particularly in the extremities, due to poor circulation and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to reduced blood supply, while nerve damage can impair the body’s ability to sense and regulate temperature effectively.
Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions including temperature regulation. Damage to these nerves can disrupt the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications commonly prescribed to older adults can have side effects that lead to feeling colder.
Beta-blockers, used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, can slow the heart rate and affect blood supply to the extremities, causing cold hands and feet.
Diuretics, often referred to as “water pills,” are prescribed for conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure. While they help the body eliminate excess fluid, they can also lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, which may affect the body’s thermoregulation.
Some antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can interfere with the hypothalamus, the brain region involved in heat regulation. This interference can affect the body’s ability to control its temperature. Sedatives can also impact the body’s ability to maintain a normal temperature.