The Real Reason You Feel Colder as You Age

**Why You Feel Colder as You Get Older (And What’s Really Going On)**

Ever notice how your parents always keep the thermostat higher, or why Grandma wears a sweater in July? It’s not just you—aging really does make people feel colder. Here’s why:

**1. Your Body’s Thermostat Slows Down**
As you age, your metabolism naturally slows[2]. Think of metabolism like an internal furnace: when it burns slower, you produce less heat. This makes it harder to stay warm, especially in cooler environments.

**2. Medications Can Mess With Temperature Control**
Many older adults take medications that accidentally sabotage their ability to handle heat or cold[3]. Common prescriptions for blood pressure, allergies, or mental health can confuse your body’s temperature sensors or reduce sweating—leaving you feeling chilly even on mild days.

**3. Heat Waves Might Be Aging You Faster (Yes, Really)**
While this article focuses on feeling cold, extreme heat accelerates biological aging similar to smoking[4]. Ironically, as climate change raises temperatures globally, older adults face a double whammy: their bodies struggle with both extreme heat *and* increased sensitivity to cold due to aging systems[3][4].

**4. Hormones Play a Role Too (Especially for Women)**
Women going through menopause often experience hot flashes due to hormonal shifts[5], but long-term hormonal changes can also disrupt steady temperature regulation later in life—contributing to that “always cold” feeling post-menopause[5].

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### Simple Fixes That Help
– **Layer Up Smartly**: Light layers trap body heat better than one heavy sweater.
– **Check Your Meds**: Ask your doctor if any prescriptions affect temperature regulation[3].
– **Stay Active**: Gentle movement boosts circulation and generates warmth without overexertion.
– **Hydrate Well**: Dehydration worsens temperature sensitivity—even in cool weather[3].

Aging might be inevitable, but freezing under a blanket year-round doesn’t have to be!