It's no secret that elderly individuals often feel cold more easily than those who are younger. One of the most common complaints that elderly people have is feeling cold all the time. This can be a challenge for caregivers, as they must ensure their elderly loved ones stay comfortable and warm. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why seniors get cold easily and what you can do to help combat this problem.
Although many people believe hypothermia only affects regions with harsh weather, older individuals who have slow metabolisms can still be susceptible to it in temperatures that range from the mid-70s to the low 80s.
Caregivers can play an essential part in senior care. It may not be the most straightforward task to deal with all of our body's changes as we age, and seeing our loved ones undergo these changes might be distressing. Caregivers can also assist you and your family in detecting any early indications or symptoms of hypothermia in the elderly, which might prevent serious health issues and emergencies for you and your family.
It is crucial to find a caregiver and caregiving service you can trust when your loved ones need some extra help. Here at BrightStar Care, we're proud of our team of experts and we love sharing tips and tricks with our readers to help them out!
We listed down 6 easy ways you and your caregiver can help keep them warm and comfortable:
Even a strong wind can quickly drop the body temperature of elderly individuals during the winter months. Make it a habit to check the weather forecast for days with significant winds. It's best to keep warm on those days by staying inside and keeping warm.
The ideal temperature for most individuals is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, but elders may require it to be a few degrees higher. Check the thermostat and make sure there aren't any obstructions in the heating vents. Make sure your house isn't losing heat through the windows. Keep your curtains and blinds closed if possible. If you have spaces around the windows, consider using weatherstripping or caulk to seal them off.
Why Do Old People Get Cold Easily?
This happens for several reasons. For one, our metabolism gradually slows down as we age, so we don't produce as much heat. Additionally, blood circulation becomes less efficient with time, meaning that people may have cold hands and feet even when the rest of their body is warm. Lastly, older individuals are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions that can cause or worsen feelings of coldness.Is There a Higher Risk of Hypothermia for Seniors?
Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops too low. For elderly people, a body temperature of 95°F could cause many health problems, according to the National Institute on Aging. These include underlying problems like kidney damage, heart attack, and liver damage.Although many people believe hypothermia only affects regions with harsh weather, older individuals who have slow metabolisms can still be susceptible to it in temperatures that range from the mid-70s to the low 80s.
What can caregivers do to help?
Caregivers can play an essential part in senior care. It may not be the most straightforward task to deal with all of our body's changes as we age, and seeing our loved ones undergo these changes might be distressing. Caregivers can also assist you and your family in detecting any early indications or symptoms of hypothermia in the elderly, which might prevent serious health issues and emergencies for you and your family.It is crucial to find a caregiver and caregiving service you can trust when your loved ones need some extra help. Here at BrightStar Care, we're proud of our team of experts and we love sharing tips and tricks with our readers to help them out!
We listed down 6 easy ways you and your caregiver can help keep them warm and comfortable:
Dress them in layers
Elderly people who are frequently cold should wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows them to feel the air. Multiple layers trap heat far better than one thick garment, and simple-to-wear clothing will make it simpler for carers to change as needed.Even a strong wind can quickly drop the body temperature of elderly individuals during the winter months. Make it a habit to check the weather forecast for days with significant winds. It's best to keep warm on those days by staying inside and keeping warm.