Cold and Aging
By Nancy Honig
This past week we had our first significant snowfall. The moisture was much needed, the kids enjoyed playing in the snow, but for some older adults it was a concerning, even scary event. As we age into our 60’s and beyond, cold has a more profound effect and creates more risks than when we were younger. As we age, the compensatory mechanisms for keeping warm are less robust. Older people tend to shiver less or not at all when their body temperature drops, and they can lose body heat faster and may not be as aware of getting cold.
Health issues may make it harder for your body to stay warm. Thyroid problems can make it hard to maintain a normal body temperature. Diabetes can keep blood from flowing normally to provide warmth. Parkinson’s disease and arthritis can make it hard to put on more clothes, use a blanket, or get out of the cold. Both medications, and not being as physically active, can interfere with normal temperature regulation.
There are a number of ways to keep you safe from the cold, beginning with staying inside if at all possible! Wet and windy are a double threat in the cold and make it less possible to maintain warmth, so avoid both. After snow often comes melting and then ice. This is when falls often occur. As our balance becomes more precarious with age this becomes even more of a concern.
So, what can you do to stay warm and safe this winter:
* Set your heat to at least 68–70°F. To save on heating bills, close off rooms you are not using. Close the vents and shut the doors in these rooms and keep the basement door closed. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts.
* Wearing layers of loose-fitting clothes is important both inside and out. Because the face, neck, and hands are high vascular areas and we can lose heat quickly from them, it is best to keep them covered.
* Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.
* When you go to sleep, wear long underwear under your pajamas, and use extra covers.
* Make sure you eat enough food to keep up your weight. If you don’t eat well, you might have less fat under your skin. Body fat helps you to stay warm.
* Consider having a neighbor, friend or relative shovel your snow. If you choose to shovel, take some precautions. Remember, when it’s cold outside, your heart works double time to keep you warm. Strenuous activities like shoveling snow may put too much strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease. Shoveling can also be dangerous if you have problems with balance or have “thin bones” (osteoporosis).
* If going outside wear boots with non-skid soles. If you use a cane, replace the rubber tip before it is worn smooth and consider an ice pick-like attachment that fits onto the end of the cane for additional traction.
We are all in need of being more cautious during cold weather regardless of our age. But if you or a loved one is bothered by the cold and snow, use the above precautions to help stay safe. Happy wintertime!
