The fact that our bodies change as we age is not a secret to any of us. As we age, our muscles weaken, our skin has a decreased elasticity and becomes thinner, and our immune systems are more vulnerable to illnesses and injuries. One common symptom of aging is a diminished ability to regulate body temperature, which can make elders feel cold all the time.
There are several reasons why this occurs. As we age, our metabolism slows down, which means that we produce less heat as a result of our lower metabolism. The second reason is that our bodies become less effective at circulating blood, which means we may have cold hands and feet even when the rest of our body is warm. Furthermore, elders are more likely to suffer from medical conditions that can contribute to or cause the feeling of being cold as they age.
Do seniors have a higher risk of hypothermia?
Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops too low. An elderly person with a body temperature of 95°F may suffer from several health problems. Hypothermia poses a real threat to seniors, according to the National Institute on Aging. As a result of feeling cold, several underlying problems can be causing the sensation, including kidney problems, heart attacks, and liver damage just to name a few.
Despite the misconception that hypothermia only occurs in hostile environments, seniors with slow metabolisms can still experience hypothermia in temperatures as low as 70 degrees.
In the field of senior care, caregivers play a very important role. It may not be the easiest process to adapt to all the changes our bodies undergo as we age, and watching our elderly loved ones go through our body's changes can be quite overwhelming for us as well. Additionally, caregivers can help identify any early signs or symptoms of hypothermia in seniors, which will help protect you and your loved ones from any alarming health threats and emergencies that may occur in the future.
To ensure your loved ones have a helping hand during this phase of their lives, looking for a caregiver and a trustworthy caregiving service is essential. At BrightStar Care, we take pride in our team of professionals, and we love involving our readers in the process by sharing some tips and tricks!
We listed down 6 easy ways you and your caregiver can help keep them warm and comfortable:
Clothing made from lightweight, loose-fitting fabrics made from breathable fabrics is ideal for elderly people who often feel cold. Multiple layers will trap heat better than one heavy garment, and clothing that can be easily put on and taken off will make caregivers' jobs easier.
Elderly people's body temperatures can quickly drop when it is cold outside, even when it is windy. Make checking the weather forecast a habit on windy days. When it is cold outside, it's a good idea to stay inside and keep warm those days.
Make sure windows aren't letting heat out of your house. Keep your curtains and blinds closed. Using weather stripping or caulk will help to keep the cold air out if you have gaps around your windows.
Looking into caregiving services may be overwhelming, but with BrightStar Care, we ensure to make the process so much easier for you. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in looking for the right caregiver to take care of your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more. You can always contact BrightStar Care of Pembroke Pines at 954-518-3420 or visit us at 7951 Riviera Blvd Suite 103 Miramar, FL 33023 and speak with one of our experts who will help you get started. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Why Do Old People Get Cold Easily?
There are several reasons why this occurs. As we age, our metabolism slows down, which means that we produce less heat as a result of our lower metabolism. The second reason is that our bodies become less effective at circulating blood, which means we may have cold hands and feet even when the rest of our body is warm. Furthermore, elders are more likely to suffer from medical conditions that can contribute to or cause the feeling of being cold as they age. Do seniors have a higher risk of hypothermia?
Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops too low. An elderly person with a body temperature of 95°F may suffer from several health problems. Hypothermia poses a real threat to seniors, according to the National Institute on Aging. As a result of feeling cold, several underlying problems can be causing the sensation, including kidney problems, heart attacks, and liver damage just to name a few.
Despite the misconception that hypothermia only occurs in hostile environments, seniors with slow metabolisms can still experience hypothermia in temperatures as low as 70 degrees.
What can caregivers do to help?
In the field of senior care, caregivers play a very important role. It may not be the easiest process to adapt to all the changes our bodies undergo as we age, and watching our elderly loved ones go through our body's changes can be quite overwhelming for us as well. Additionally, caregivers can help identify any early signs or symptoms of hypothermia in seniors, which will help protect you and your loved ones from any alarming health threats and emergencies that may occur in the future. To ensure your loved ones have a helping hand during this phase of their lives, looking for a caregiver and a trustworthy caregiving service is essential. At BrightStar Care, we take pride in our team of professionals, and we love involving our readers in the process by sharing some tips and tricks!
We listed down 6 easy ways you and your caregiver can help keep them warm and comfortable:
Keep them warm by dressing them in layers
Clothing made from lightweight, loose-fitting fabrics made from breathable fabrics is ideal for elderly people who often feel cold. Multiple layers will trap heat better than one heavy garment, and clothing that can be easily put on and taken off will make caregivers' jobs easier.Elderly people's body temperatures can quickly drop when it is cold outside, even when it is windy. Make checking the weather forecast a habit on windy days. When it is cold outside, it's a good idea to stay inside and keep warm those days.
Keep the house warm
Most people feel comfortable between 68 and 72 degrees, but elders may need it a few degrees warmer. Make sure furniture or other objects aren't blocking the heating vents and the thermostat.Make sure windows aren't letting heat out of your house. Keep your curtains and blinds closed. Using weather stripping or caulk will help to keep the cold air out if you have gaps around your windows.
Use a humidifier
In elders' rooms, humidifiers can help relieve the dry air that can make them feel colder than they are. Just be sure to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.Give them extra blankets
It's always a good idea to keep blankets around the house, whether you're using them to warm up the bed or to drape them over your loved one while they're sitting in a chair. You can also use electric blankets to provide warmth, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid burning yourself.Provide warm beverages
An elder can feel warmer by drinking hot tea, coffee, or even just warm water. Don't let them drink too much caffeine, however, as it may cause them to become dehydrated and make them feel even colder if they drink too much of it.Encourage exercise
In addition to improving overall health, exercise can also make elders feel warmer by increasing their circulation. The simple act of taking a short walk around the block can have a big impact on your health.Looking into caregiving services may be overwhelming, but with BrightStar Care, we ensure to make the process so much easier for you. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in looking for the right caregiver to take care of your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more. You can always contact BrightStar Care of Pembroke Pines at 954-518-3420 or visit us at 7951 Riviera Blvd Suite 103 Miramar, FL 33023 and speak with one of our experts who will help you get started. Thank you for taking the time to read this!