It's no secret that as we age, our bodies change. We lose muscle mass, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic, and we're more susceptible to illness and injury. One common symptom of aging is a diminished ability to regulate body temperature, which can make elders feel cold all the time.
It’s common for people to think hypothermia only occurs in areas with hostile temperatures, however, seniors who possess slow metabolism can still be prone to experiencing hypothermia in temperatures that range in the mid-70s.
Looking for a caregiver and a trustworthy caregiving service is vital in making sure your loved ones have a helping hand throughout this phase in their life. Here at BrightStar Care, we take pride in our team of professionals and we love involving our readers in the entire process by giving out some tips and tricks to help out!
We listed down 6 easy ways you and your caregiver can help keep them warm and comfortable:
During the winter months, even a heavy wind can quickly lower the body temperature of elderly people. Make it a habit to check the weather forecast for windy days. During those days, it’s ideal to stay inside and keep warm.
Make sure your house isn't losing heat through windows. Keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.
Why Do Old People Get Cold Easily?
There are several reasons why this happens. First, our metabolism slows down as we age, which means we don't generate as much heat. Second, our bodies become less efficient at circulating blood, so we may have cold hands and feet even when the rest of our body is warm. Third, elders are more likely to have medical conditions that can cause or contribute to feelings of coldness.Is There a Higher Risk of Hypothermia for Seniors?
Hypothermia usually happens when your body’s temperature drops low. For the elderly, a body temperature of 95°F could lead to many health issues. According to the National Institute on Aging, hypothermia poses a real threat to seniors. There are a lot of underlying problems that could be associated with feeling cold such as kidney problems, heart attack, and liver damage to name a few.It’s common for people to think hypothermia only occurs in areas with hostile temperatures, however, seniors who possess slow metabolism can still be prone to experiencing hypothermia in temperatures that range in the mid-70s.
What can caregivers do to help?
Caregivers play an important role in senior care. It may not be the easiest process to adapt to all the changes our body goes through as we age, and seeing our elderly loved ones go through these changes can be quite overwhelming. Caregivers can also help identify any early signs or symptoms of hypothermia in seniors which can prevent any alarming health threats and emergencies for you and your family.Looking for a caregiver and a trustworthy caregiving service is vital in making sure your loved ones have a helping hand throughout this phase in their life. Here at BrightStar Care, we take pride in our team of professionals and we love involving our readers in the entire process by giving out some tips and tricks to help out!
We listed down 6 easy ways you and your caregiver can help keep them warm and comfortable:
Dress them in layers
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in breathable fabrics is ideal for elders who tend to feel cold. Multiple layers will trap heat better than one heavy garment, and clothing that's easy to put on and take off will make it easier for caregivers to adjust as needed.During the winter months, even a heavy wind can quickly lower the body temperature of elderly people. Make it a habit to check the weather forecast for windy days. During those days, it’s ideal to stay inside and keep warm.
Make sure the house is warm
A comfortable temperature for most people is between 68 and 72 degrees, but elders may need it to be a few degrees warmer. Check the thermostat and make sure the heating vents are not blocked by furniture or other objects.Make sure your house isn't losing heat through windows. Keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.
