Older adults often feel colder than younger people as their bodies change with age.
A slower metabolic rate, thinner layer of fat and poorer blood circulation make them more sensitive to the cold.
Health problems like cardiovascular disease, anaemia, diabetes and thyroid issues can make them feel even chillier.
Medications, like beta blockers and blood thinners, may also increase cold sensitivity.
It is important to watch for signs of cold intolerance in older adults. These signs include shivering, pale skin and slow breathing.
It’s a long established fact that elderly people often feel the cold more than younger people. Aside from this, older people often feel more anxious about the cold weather; according to Age UK, 52% of older people are concerned or very concerned about winter.1 In 2024, government changes to the eligibility rules around the Winter Fuel Payment have increased this sense of anxiety. The impact of cold weather on older people has been in the news now more than ever.
This guide looks at why old people get so cold due to increased sensitivity to lower temperatures, as well as some tips to keep as warm as possible in the colder months of the year. Ultimately, understanding cold sensitivity in older people can help you and your loved ones feel a bit safer when temperatures turn cooler.
Why do older people feel the cold more than younger people?
There are lots of reasons why old people react to the cold more as they age. Some of these are natural or health related, while others are external factors like financial pressures. Here are some of the key reasons why many older people have a reduced cold tolerance:
Age
The body reacts to cold temperatures in a complex way. When we feel cold, our body tries hard to stay warm and maintain a normal temperature. As we get older, this process may become slower and doesn’t work as well as it used to. Our core body temperature is stabilised by something called the circulatory system. When we feel cold, the blood vessels in our hands and feet shrink. This reduces blood flow, helping us stay warm. However, as we age, our body temperature regulation naturally declines. Blood vessels might not shrink as effectively anymore and in turn, this causes us to lose heat more easily and feel colder.
Metabolism
One key reason that older individuals experience a reduced cold tolerance is that our metabolic rate decreases as we get older.2 Metabolism is the word we use to refer to all the chemical processes that occur in our bodies to help us live. A key function of metabolism is making energy, which also generates heat. This heat is important for maintaining our body temperature. As we age, our metabolic rate decreases. There are several reasons for this. First, we lose muscle mass. Second, our hormones change. Third, we usually move around less. A slower metabolic rate leads to our bodies generating less heat. That’s why older people feel cold more often; they don’t create heat like they used to.
Fat layers
Subcutaneous fat is the word used to describe the layer of fat that sits under our skin. This fat helps us stay warm by holding in the heat like insulation. As we age, the fat layer under our skin becomes thinner. According to studies, this starts happening around the age of 70. In addition to this, fat distribution changes as well; it decreases in the face, hands, and feet while increases slightly in the thighs, waist, and abdomen.3 Fat layers help keep our body warmer. When this layer reduces, we therefore lose body heat more easily and our core body temperature drops.
Blood vessels stiffening
In addition to this, blood vessels can also become less flexible as we age.4 This change affects our blood circulation. When that happens, blood flow to our hands and feet can go down and again, those areas might end up feeling much colder.
Health
There are some health problems and medical conditions that can also exacerbate cold sensitivity for older people. It’s important to know about the impact of these health issues so you and your loved one can mitigate their effects and try to stay warm in the winter season. Health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and thyroid problems can cause a person to feel colder. A key reason for this is poor circulation. When blood flow isn’t good, it may make someone feel colder than normal.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases impact our heart and blood vessels and often lower blood circulation. As a result, it becomes hard for the body to keep us warm.5 When blood flow is low, the body tries to protect important organs like the heart and brain. This results in less blood going to the extremities, resulting in cold hands and feet even when the weather only reaches slightly cool temperatures outside.
Conditions like atherosclerosis can also make your arteries stiff.6 Peripheral artery disease narrows the arteries in your arms and legs. Both these conditions limit blood flow. For people with heart problems, blood may also move around the body in different ways to when they were in good health. To handle heart problems and cold sensitivity, it may helpful to take medication recommended by a healthcare professional. Lifestyle changes and getting medical help is also important to help manage the causes of cold sensitivity.
Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid gland helps manage how our body uses energy. This leads to changes in body temperature. If the thyroid has issues, it can also change how warm or cool we feel. When this occurs, some people may feel colder than usual. Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t work well. This can make a person feel more sensitive to cold.7 When someone has hypothyroidism, their metabolism slows down.8 A slower metabolism means the body makes less heat. Because of this, people may feel cold even if the weather is warm.
Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland is too active. This can make some people feel very warm. It’s rare that this condition makes someone feel cold. However, if people with thyroid problems stick to their treatment and make healthy choices, they can maintain a steady body temperature. This can help reduce their cold sensitivity.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause an increased risk of lower body temperatures and feeling colder.9 One key reason is nerve damage, known as neuropathy, which often affects people with diabetes. Damaged nerves can stop your body from sensing temperature properly. This may cause you to feel colder than normal. Diabetes can impact blood vessels by narrowing them, which cuts down on blood flow. This can affect hands and feet. With less blood flow, you could feel cold. It might also lower your body temperature.
It is very important for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels with a healthy diet designed for someone with the condition. This can help prevent or slow down nerve damage. It can also make blood circulation better. When people stay warm and manage their diabetes well, they can control their body temperature better.
Anaemia
Anaemia happens when you have fewer red blood cells than normal. This can make you feel cold.10 Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen to your body. Without enough healthy red blood cells, your body can’t get enough oxygen to your tissues and organs. So, you might feel cold as a result.
When you have anaemia, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen. This makes it difficult for your body to make enough heat. As a result, people with anaemia often feel colder than normal, even if the temperatures are just cool. Finding out the main cause of anaemia can help. The treatment for anaemia depends on the type you have. You might need to take iron supplements, change your diet, or use medicine to boost red blood cell production.
Kidney disease
Kidney disease can also make you feel cold.11 This is because it affects how your body can stay warm and use energy. Your kidneys help filter waste out of your blood. When they don’t work properly, waste builds up in your blood.
When toxins gather in the body, they can hurt the hypothalamus. This part of the brain helps control body temperature. That is why people with kidney problems often feel colder than others. Kidney disease also changes how the body uses energy. This can make them feel even colder.
To manage kidney disease, you might need to take medicine. You may also need to change what you eat or undergo dialysis. Taking care of your kidneys can help your body regulate its temperature better.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and blood vessels. People with this disease may feel cold more easily. This happens because the disease affects blood circulation.
The circulatory system helps move heat through the body. If the heart does not pump well, or if blood vessels are narrow or blocked, blood flow to the extremities goes down. This can make your hands, feet and limbs feel cold.
It’s important to take care of cardiovascular disease. This can help improve blood circulation and lower sensitivity to cold. Treatments often include medicine to reduce blood pressure problems and cholesterol. People might need to change their lifestyle too. In some cases, surgery could be required.
Importantly, exposure to cold weather can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks too.12
Dementia
Dementia is a condition that affects how the brain works. It can change memory and behaviours. In the later stages of dementia, older adults may have difficulty sensing changes in temperature. This might cause them to not dress appropriately for the weather and consequently , older adults with dementia can feel cold more easily.
The vulnerability of people living with dementia to cold weather is very significant. The Official of National Statistics reported that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were the leading causes of winter mortality in Wales in 2021, accounting for 15.2% of deaths during the winter period.13
Dementia can change how the body controls its systems. A key area affected is body temperature. Older people with dementia may struggle to notice when they feel cold. As people get older, their bodies change, which can make them feel cold more easily. There are several reasons why older adults feel cold, including health problems like thyroid issues and dementia.
Our Carers can support people with dementia to live safely during winter. This could include sticking to a routine for hot meals for the elderly, waking and going to sleep, using the bathroom and also providing reassurance, peace of mind and companionship.
Finances
Energy prices are especially tough for older adults in the UK. According to government statistics, 6 out of 10 people in the UK cut their use of gas and electricity due to the cost of living; 1 in 3 said this had affected their health.14This is especially true for many older people who may have a reduced income. Many elderly people live on fixed incomes and can struggle to pay their heating bills.
Age UK says that around 1.9 million older households might face fuel poverty in 2024.15 This means heating their homes becomes challenging . A cold home can worsen health issues like arthritis, breathing problems, and heart disease.
The effects of financial stress and cold homes on older people are very significant. Many elderly individuals feel more anxious and sad in winter.16 This often happens because they can’t keep their homes warm. Some even decide to spend more time in bed to stay warm. Crucially, a colder home with a lower indoor temperature doesn’t just affect their physical health, but also mental wellbeing.17 It can make them feel lonely and sad. This will keep them healthy and happy during the winter.
Tips to keep the elderly warm in winter
In the winter months, it is important to keep older people warm. They feel the cold more than others. You should take extra steps to make them feel cosy. This can protect them from health risks caused by cold temperatures.
Keep active
Elderly people tend to move less in winter months.18 This can compound the issue though, as physical activity is a great way to stay warmer and combat poor blood circulation. Even completing some simple exercises for the elderly and activities for the elderly can pump blood around the rest of your body and keep you warmer in winter.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating the right foods in winter and enough of them, can also support elderly people during the colder months. Cold weather can cause a drop in the immune system.19 Warm meals for the elderly can ensure you or your loved one get the right nutrients, as well as offering comfort and nutrition. If preparing meals and sticking to routine is something you or your loved one struggles with alone, one of our Carers can help by preparing meals. Stuck for ideas? Our meals for the elderly guide provides plenty of food for thought.
Dressing warm in winter
Dressing warmly in layers is important for older people in the cold months. Layering helps keep heat near the body and protects against the cold.20 Here are some tips:
A base layer: Choose materials like cotton or thermal underwear to help keep your skin dry and warm by pulling moisture away.
Insulating layers: Wear sweaters, fleece jackets, or vests depending on how cold it is. This helps you feel warmer.
An outer layer: A waterproof and windproof coat or jacket is important. It protects you from harsh weather.
Warm socks, hats, gloves and scarves are essential outdoor winter wear. You should also make sure they have blankets to help you feel cosy while you sleep.
Staying hydrated in winter
Staying hydrated is important throughout the year. It is even more important in winter, especially for older people. When it’s cold, the air often feels dry. Breathing in this cold air can make our bodies lose more moisture. Older people might not feel thirsty often but this can lead to the risk of elderly dehydration.21
Encouraging older people to drink enough fluids every day helps to keep their body temperature stable. It is also good for their health. Warm drinks are a good idea to warm the body.
Drink water often, even if you are not thirsty.
Keep a water bottle close to remind you to sip throughout the day
If possible, set reminders to drink water several times each day.
Pick drinks you like to make it easier to stay hydrated.
Look for signs of dehydration, like a dry mouth or feeling dizzy.
Have a glass of water before and after meals.
If you feel tired, drinking water can boost your energy.
Serve warm beverages like soups, herbal teas and warm water with lemon and honey.
Add hydrating foods to meals. Include fruits and vegetables with high water content
Winter proofing your home
The warmth of your home is affected by various factors and not everyone can afford to keep their home well heated through winter. Here are some cost effective ways of excluding a draught from your home:
Keep curtains open: keeping the curtains open in the day and shut at night can make your home warmer. In fact, drawing the curtains and blinds at dusk can reduce heat loss by 13-14% and curtains from 15-17%22
Block draughts: according to the Energy Saving Trust, draught proofing your windows and doors in a typical gas fuelled, semi-detached property can save £30 per year. Additionally, draught proofing an open chimney when not in use can save around £20 per year.23
Use rugs: According to the Energy Saving Trust, using rugs on hard floors can help reduce heat loss and improve insulation, potentially lowering heating costs by up to 10%.24However, you should be careful of the increased risk of trips and falls for elderly people when there is a rug on the floor.
Hot water bottles, wheat bags, electric blankets: keeping warm has become easier with electric blankets and classic hot water bottles or wheat bags – which can be popped in the microwave. However, these come with a warning to keep them separate in order to prevent fires
Signs of cold sensitivity in older people
Older people are more sensitive to cold. This fact helps us act quickly to keep them healthy. A chilly feeling might seem minor, but it can lead to bigger health problems. It also means they could be at a higher risk for hypothermia when the weather gets colder.
Signs of increased sensitivity to colder temperatures can include:
Feeling cold all the time: If an older person talks about being very cold, even in nice weather, it might be cause for concern
Cold extremities: See if their hands, feet, nose, or ears feel cold while the rest of their body feels warm
Skin colour changes: If their skin’s surface looks pale or bluish, especially on their hands and feet, it may indicate low blood flow. This could be related to cold sensitivity.
Risk of hypothermia in elderly people
Elderly people are more likely to get hypothermia.25 This happens when their body’s internal temperature drops too low from being in cold temperatures for a long time. Their bodies have a hard time keeping a stable body temperature. Health problems that affect circulation can make this situation even worse for them, so knowing the signs of hypothermia is important during this time of year.
It’s important to spot the symptoms of hypothermia and call 999 immediately if you notice them:
Shivering: This is usually the first sign. The body is trying to make heat.
Slurred speech: As hypothermia worsens, speaking can become slow and hard to understand.
Slowed breathing: Slow breathing is one of the sights of hypothermia along with shallow breathing.
Confusion: feeling lost and confused may mean body temperature is very low. Read our guide to elderly delirium for more information26
Risk of stroke when elderly people are cold
The cold weather can also increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack in older people. If you think you or someone else is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
For a stroke, remember the FAST warning signs: F – Is the face drooping on one side? A – Can the person raise both arms and keep them there? S – Is speech slurred? T – Time to call 999 if you spot any one of these signs.
How can Home Care help?
A Home Carer can help you or your loved one stay safe and comfortable during any cold weather. Here are some ways they can offer support:
Keeping the house warm: Carers can check that the heating system is on at the right times and help maintain a warm environment like putting your draught excluder under the door to save you or your loved one from bending.
Dressing in layers: Carers can help elderly people with dressing and getting ready, our friendly Team can even help find the right clothes in the cupboard to ensure they wear several thin layers of clothing, which can trap heat more effectively than one thick layer.
Preparing hot meals and drinks: Carers can help prepare hot food and drinks that help maintain body temperature.
Staying active: Carers can assist with gentle and light exercises, including going for walks, or even moving around the house to help keep the body warm.
Preventing isolation: Carers can provide much needed companionship with our elderly sitting service during the cold, dark months of the year to reduce feelings of isolation and promote mental wellbeing.
Monitoring health: Carers can keep an eye on health issues that might be exacerbated by cold weather, such as respiratory problems or arthritis, and ensure elderly people takes medications as prescribed. Our care monitoring app. Birdie also provides medication reminders and allows family to track the care we deliver in real time.
Preparing for emergencies: Carers can provide reassurance and ensure that elderly people can access emergency contacts. In the winter, our Overnight Care service can offer extra peace of mind during the late and early hours of each day.
Why do elderly people feel the cold more intensely?
Cold sensitivity in older people happens due to bodily changes as we age. Their metabolic rate slows down. Blood circulation becomes less effective too. This means they find it more difficult keeping their body heat like they used to.
Can certain medications make the elderly feel colder?
Yes, some medicines can make this happen. This usually happens with those taken for high blood pressure, like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.27 They can change blood flow in your body. This also affects your body’s ability to control its temperature.
What are practical ways to keep the elderly warm and comfortable?
To help older people feel warm, make their homes cosy. Encourage them to wear several layers of clothing. Provide warm blankets for extra comfort. Offer warm beverages and regular hot food to keep them warm. When they rest, make sure they are well covered.
