Weathering The Cold as We Age

The official winter season is almost here and many of you have already had cold weather.  It can be hard for all of us to handle cold weather but it can increase with age.

As you age your body changes in so many ways.  Feeling more cold as you age is one of those changes.

For one, your circulation decreases because your blood vessels become less flexible.  Along with your circulation your skin gets thinner. Our skin has layers and as we age the innermost layer contains fat.  As that layer thins it leaves us with less insulation.

Additionally, your metabolic rate decreases.  It starts to decrease around age 50 so by the time you get older it can really slow down and change.  Your metabolism takes care of many of your body functions so when this lowers you feel the cold more.

Finally if you have a medical condition and if you are on certain medications these can also affect how you do in cold weather.

You can’t stop your body aging and if you live in cold weather you need to be sure to try some things that will help to keep you warm.

• Set your room temperature to keep your rooms warm.  Range should be from 68 to 70 degrees.
• Make sure your windows and doors don’t have drafts.  Get help if you need to weatherproof any parts of your living space.
• Be sure to dress warmly inside your home.  You don’t just need to bundle for the outdoors.
• If you need an extra blanket sleeping, use one.  You might also consider wearing long underwear under your pajamas..
• Maintain a healthy body weight. A layer of fat can help keep you warm.
• Watch your alcohol consumption.  Alcohol makes you lose body heat.
• Wear waterproof gear in wet weather and change right away if you get wet.

Private Home Health Care works with people who have trouble in the cold weather.  We encourage everyone to understand changes in their bodies and on how to stay as warm as possible.