As you get older, you might notice you’re reaching for sweaters more often, shivering even when you think you should be warm, or maybe turning up the thermostat more often than not. Is it really getting that much colder every year, or is it something else?
As we get older, we often feel colder at temperatures we were once comfortable. There are a few causes of this, including thinning skin, slower blood circulation, or even side effects of medication. Age isn’t the only cause of feeling colder, though; it can also be related to several medical conditions such as anemia or even diabetes.
It can even be your own residence contributing to the problem. With the rising costs of heating and other bills, many seniors find they’d rather wear a sweater and be a little cold rather than turn the heat to a comfortable temperature. But this can risk hypothermia or other temperature-related issues and lead to other problems.
Assisted living is an option to consider if any of this sounds familiar. Being in a community like Auburn Hill Senior Living gives you the option of being surrounded by a caring team that can help with medical concerns and daily needs. And, you get to avoid most utility fees, so you can dial up that heat and be as comfortable as possible!
Why Do Seniors Always Feel Cold?
There are several common reasons that can make you feel cold as you get older.
As we age, our skin naturally thins, along with the layer of fat underneath it, and we even lose muscle mass. By having less of a natural barrier against the air, it’s no surprise you might be feeling more of a chill.
Along with this natural thinning, our metabolism naturally changes as well. The metabolism breaks down nutrients from the food and drink we consume and breaks them down into energy, which helps the body regulate its own temperature. As the metabolism slows, your body receives less of the energy it needs to maintain its heat, which can contribute to the cold you might be feeling.
Another common cause of feeling cold so often is related to blood circulation. Problems with blood pressure and blood circulation are common as we age, and a decrease in either can lead to you feeling colder in your extremities as blood works harder to get to them.
If you’ve recently noticed you’re less physically active than before, this can be a contributing factor to feeling cold all the time. As we get older, it’s common to stop doing some of the more physical things we’ve done for most of our lives. But if you’ve recently slowed down your physical activities, this could be directly related. Since daily physical exercise helps build and maintain muscle mass and helps with blood circulation and blood pressure problems, it could take something as simple as moving around more often to help.
Can Medical Issues Cause You to Feel Cold?
There are many medical conditions that can cause you to feel cold all the time. Some of the more common conditions known to cause this include:
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Kidney disease
- Vitamin deficiency
While these aren’t the only causes, they are some of the more common ones. If you’ve recently noticed that you feel cold more often, or you’re struggling with any symptoms caused by this, it’s extremely important to speak with a doctor. If you’re on any medication to treat one of these conditions, it could be causing the unfortunate side effect of making you feel colder.
How to Stop Feeling Cold All the Time
There unfortunately isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to feeling cold so often. The best way to address this issue is to find the root cause of the problem and tackle it appropriately.
For example, if you’ve recently switched medication and have noticed that you’re getting a chill significantly more often, reach out to your doctor and see if there are any other options available. If you’ve recently stopped some physical activities, it may be a good idea to resume them — moving around more often can help with temperature regulation and is always great for your physical health!
However, sometimes it’s something as simple as your environment. If you’re worried about the rising costs of heating your home, you’re often forgetting to check the thermostat, or you have a medical condition causing you to feel colder, it might be time for a change.
Assisted living is an excellent option to ensure you’re surrounded by a trained team of caring individuals who can help. Living in these communities allows you the independence you want while still giving you access to all sorts of different options to help you with your needs. There are physical fitness programs available, a thermostat in every home, and access to medical care to help with any symptoms you may be feeling due to the cold.
These communities are an excellent option for seniors who want to keep their independence and autonomy while still having access to the best comfort and care options.
If assisted living sounds right to you, reach out to us at Auburn Hill Senior Living today and schedule a tour, and we’ll be ready to welcome you to your new home!