Why do you get colder as you age?

When you were younger, a light jacket in the dead of winter was enough to keep you warm and cozy. But as you get older, that can change, and you may find yourself turning up the heat in your home and wearing extra sweaters to stay warm.

Your body temperature gets colder as you age. And so increasing sensitivity to cold is often just another normal part of the aging process. But sometimes it can signal a more serious health problem. Below, we explain the causes and give you some tips that may help. Blood circulation slows down

As you age, your blood vessels become less flexible and can't function optimally. They can't circulate blood as well as they used to, so your body has a harder time retaining heat. Cold hands and feet, in particular, can be a sign that you have a circulation problem. Your skin becomes thinner.

When you think about aging and your skin, wrinkles probably come to mind. But as we age, the deeper layers of skin thin out, making it harder for the body to retain heat. Metabolism slows down

According to researchers, by the age of 50, the number of calories your body burns at rest drops by 30%. Although we usually associate a slowed metabolism with weight gain, it can also affect how your body regulates temperature. That's because metabolism is responsible for many of the chemical processes that keep your body functioning.

When your metabolic rate drops, these processes will be affected, leading to increased sensitivity to cold. For example, as your metabolism slows, your blood vessels may constrict more slowly to conserve body heat in cold temperatures. You have a serious health problem

Some common conditions in older adults, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and anemia, can impair blood flow and lower body temperature. In addition, thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism affect your metabolic rate and ability to regulate your body temperature. It is a side effect of your medication.

As we get older, we're more likely to face certain health problems that require medication. And sometimes, the medications we take are the reason why you feel cold more.

Medications used to treat high blood pressure are a common culprit that can cause this sensation. This is because these types of medications can reduce blood flow to your hands and feet. Tips for staying warm

Although you may not be able to control your body's ability to conserve heat, you can try these ways to stay warm.

Make sure the lights are well insulated so they retain heat.

Dress warmly on cold days or stay indoors.

When you sleep, wear pajamas and use extra covers.

Maintain a healthy weight to ensure you have enough fat, which will help you stay warm.

Limit alcohol, which can cause you to lose body heat.

If it's raining outside, wear a waterproof coat or jacket and change clothes immediately if they get wet.

When should you see a doctor?

While increased sensitivity to cold is a normal part of the aging process, consider seeing a doctor if your symptoms suddenly appear or worsen, you feel cold when others don't, or your sensitivity to cold is impairing your quality of life. /AgroWeb.org