Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Why do seniors feel so cold?

Many older adults say they feel cold even when others in the room are comfortable. While this can seem like a minor complaint, increased sensitivity to cold in seniors is common and sometimes it can signal an underlying health concern.

Why aging adults feel coldera

As we age, the body undergoes physiological changes that affect temperature regulation:

• Lower metabolic rate: The body produces less heat at rest.

• Thinning skin: Aging skin provides less insulation.

• Loss of subcutaneous fat: The fat layer beneath the skin decreases, reducing the body’s ability to conserve heat.

• Reduced circu...