the Cold resistance It changes with age, and with age, the body senses low temperatures more strongly. This is not a myth, but rather a reality in which various factors intervene, as the doctor points out. Elise Dallasa GP in London for general practice.
In an article in Telegraph,Dallas Reels Six main reasons Why people tend to feel cold as they get older and advises how to stay warm so you don’t lose body temperature in the worst winter months.
The first reason that explains this intense feeling of cold is related to a slow metabolism. “Metabolism slows down With age “Due to decreased lean muscle mass and hormonal changes,” says this expert.
especially, “Thyroid function decreasesEspecially levels of free T3 – one of the two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine – reduces metabolic rate and heat production.
This, in addition to adrenal changes and alterations in cortisol rhythms, can occur Affects thermoregulationDallas Point. He emphasizes that “thermogenesis, that is, the process of producing heat in the body, becomes less efficient.”
Secondly, Dulles points out Muscle and fat loss. “Muscle mass decreases due to muscle atrophy, which reduces heat generation. Subcutaneous fat also decreases, which reduces insulation,” he points out.
With age, Blood circulation It also decreases, and this affects the increased sensation of cold. “Blood vessels harden and vasodilation becomes less effective. Peripheral circulation slows down, especially in the extremities, reducing heat conduction. Autonomic regulation of blood flow is also weakened, making it difficult to maintain body temperature,” he explains.
Likewise, the Chronic diseases Such as hypothyroidism, anemia or diabetes don’t help either, according to Dallas. In the case of hypothyroidism, “it reduces metabolic heat production,” while anemia “reduces the delivery of oxygen to tissues, which reduces cellular energy and heat.” Diabetes, for its part, “can cause peripheral neuropathy and damage to blood vessels, affecting sensitivity to heat and blood circulation.”
On the other hand, older people also tend to take several doses pharmaceuticaland to them Side effects It can increase your sensitivity to cold. He explains that diuretics “can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, affecting thermoregulation,” while antidepressants “can affect hypothalamic temperature control and cause vasoconstriction.”
To all this we must also add that the elderly have “ Thinner skin“, which is a “less function of the sweat glands”, they perform “less physical activity” and have a “deficient response in the hypothalamus” which “reduces the body’s ability to perceive and respond to cold.”
To protect themselves from this intense feeling of cold, the doctor recommends using… Thermal layersIncluding hats, gloves and socks.” At home, Dallas advises keeping the indoor temperature “at least 20 degrees Celsius,” Good insulation Close doors and windows to avoid drafts and use “electric blankets or hot water bottles safely.”
Finally, it is necessary to eat “Hot meals Regularly, stay hydrated and Be active at home “To stimulate blood circulation,” he concludes.
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