Why You Feel Colder as You Age: Explained

 Why You Feel Colder as You Age: Explained

THAT'S Why You Get Cold More Easily As You Get Older

As you age, you might find yourself reaching for that cozy blanket or an extra layer of clothing more often than you used to. It's not just your imagination; there are physiological reasons behind why you tend to feel colder as you get older. In this article, we'll explore the science behind this phenomenon and provide some practical tips to help you stay warm and comfortable.

Aging and Your Skin

One of the primary reasons for feeling colder as you age is the natural thinning of your skin. Dr. June McKoy, a geriatrician at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, explains that as we grow older, our skin gradually loses some of its cells and the insulating fat padding that helps keep us warm. Think of this fat padding as the insulation in your home; it serves a similar purpose. As you lose some of this padding, your body's ability to maintain its temperature diminishes, leaving you feeling colder.

This fat loss tends to be more pronounced in the legs and arms. So, if you find that your extremities feel colder than the rest of your body, it's likely due to this loss of insulating fat.

Muscle Loss and Its Impact

Another contributing factor is muscle loss. Dr. James Powers, the program director for the Geriatric Fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Center for Quality Aging, highlights that people tend to lose 3% to 8% of their muscle mass every decade, starting as early as age 30. By the time you reach 65, you might have lost 10% or more of your muscle mass, and by age 80, that loss can be as much as 30%.

Muscle isn't just responsible for strength; it also plays a critical role in maintaining body warmth. Muscle tissue is metabolically active and generates heat. This heat is what helps you stay warm. So, as you lose muscle, your body's ability to generate heat decreases, making you more susceptible to feeling cold.

While muscle loss is a natural part of aging, it's important to discuss it with your doctor, as sometimes feeling colder can be linked to underlying health conditions. Conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, heart failure, hypothyroidism, or anemia can cause a persistent feeling of cold. However, you would typically experience other symptoms before cold intolerance becomes a significant concern.

Ways to Stay Warm

The good news is that there are various ways to combat this issue and ensure you stay warm and comfortable, even as you age.

1. Layer Up: Adding extra clothing layers can help trap heat close to your body, providing additional warmth. Scarves, gloves, and thermal undergarments can be particularly useful in keeping you warm.

2. Warm Environment: Staying in a heated environment, especially during the colder months, is an effective way to ward off the chill. Make sure your home is adequately heated, and if you go outside, be sure to bundle up.

3. Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help counteract muscle loss. Exercise not only keeps you physically strong but also helps your body generate heat. Whether it's going for a walk, a bike ride, or performing simple chair exercises, staying active can make a significant difference.

4. Chair Strength Training: If mobility is a concern, chair strength training is a great option. You can use household items like a water bottle or a can of soup as weights to perform seated strength exercises. This not only helps maintain muscle but also keeps your blood flowing and makes you feel warmer.

Remember that staying active has numerous other health benefits, including improved heart health, mental well-being, and a reduced risk of injuries. In essence, exercise is a win-win for your overall health and your comfort.

Conclusion

Feeling colder as you age is a common and natural part of the aging process. Your skin thins, and muscle loss affects your ability to maintain body heat. However, in most cases, it's nothing to worry about. If you experience excessive coldness or suspect it's related to an underlying condition, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider.

In the meantime, you can take steps to stay warm, from adding layers and maintaining a cozy environment to staying physically active. Embracing these strategies can help you stay comfortable and enjoy the later years of your life.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why do I feel colder as I get older?
   Feeling colder as you age is primarily due to thinning skin and the loss of insulating fat padding and muscle, which affects your body's ability to generate heat.

2. Are there underlying health conditions that can cause excessive coldness?
   Yes, conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, heart failure, hypothyroidism, or anemia can contribute to feeling excessively cold. However, other symptoms typically accompany these conditions.

3. What can I do to stay warm as I age?
   You can stay warm by adding extra clothing layers, ensuring a heated environment, staying physically active, and engaging in chair strength training to maintain muscle mass.

4. Is feeling colder as you age a cause for concern?
   Generally, feeling colder with age is a natural process. However, if you have concerns or notice unusual cold intolerance, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.

5. How does exercise help in staying warm as you age?
   Exercise not only maintains muscle mass but also increases your body's heat production. This helps you feel warmer and offers a range of other health benefits.