Why Do Older People Get Cold? 8 Reasons and How to Stay Warm
Grandma keeps the thermostat high and still reaches for a sweater in July. If that sounds familiar, there’s a real reason. As we age, the body gets less efficient at making and holding on to heat, and some health conditions make it worse. Here’s why older people feel cold, when it’s a warning sign and how to stay safely warm.
Quick answer: Why do older people get cold? With age, the fat layer under the skin thins, circulation slows, muscle mass and metabolism decline, and the body’s ability to sense and respond to cold weakens. Conditions such as diabetes, an underactive thyroid and anemia, plus some medicines, add to the effect. The National Institute on Aging says this makes adults 65 and older more vulnerable to hypothermia.
Why Do Older People Get Cold? 8 Reasons
| Reason | How it makes you feel colder |
|---|---|
| Thinner fat layer under the skin | Less insulation, so heat escapes faster |
| Slower circulation | Less warm blood reaches hands and feet |
| Less muscle and a lower metabolic rate | The body produces less heat |
| Weaker response to cold | Shivering and blood vessel narrowing don’t work as well |
| Underactive thyroid | Cold intolerance is a classic symptom |
| Diabetes and poor circulation | Nerve and blood vessel changes affect temperature control |
| Anemia | Fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen |
| Medicines | Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs affect how the body handles cold |
Normal Aging Changes
Thinner Skin and Less Insulating Fat
The layer of fat just under the skin gets thinner with age, especially in the hands and feet. That fat acts like insulation, so losing it makes heat escape faster.
Slower Circulation
Blood vessels become less flexible with age, and blood flow to the skin and extremities can drop. Cold hands and feet are often the first sign.
Less Muscle and Slower Metabolism
Muscle produces heat, and many adults lose muscle as they age. Metabolism also slows somewhat after about age 60. See the signs of slow metabolism and what helps.
A Weaker Response to Cold
The National Institute on Aging notes that older adults’ bodies respond less well to cold, so even mildly cool temperatures or small drops in temperature can become dangerous.
Health Conditions That Make You Feel Cold
- Hypothyroidism: the NIDDK lists trouble tolerating cold as a common symptom, and hypothyroidism is more common after age 60. Learn how the thyroid also affects weight in our guide on whether thyroid problems can cause weight loss.
- Diabetes: the NIA names diabetes as one reason older adults are less able to respond to cold.
- Peripheral artery disease: Mayo Clinic lists coldness in the lower legs or feet as a PAD symptom.
- Anemia: low iron or vitamin B12 can leave you tired and cold. Read about B12 injections and who needs them.
- Low body weight or not eating enough.
When Feeling Cold Becomes Dangerous: Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a core body temperature below 95°F, according to the NIA. In older adults it can happen indoors, not just outside. Warning signs include:
- Slow or slurred speech
- Sleepiness or confusion
- Shivering, or stiffness in the arms and legs
- Poor control over body movements or slow reactions
- A weak pulse
Call 911 if you think someone has hypothermia.
How to Stay Warm and Safe as You Age
- Keep your home at 68°F or warmer, as the NIA recommends.
- Dress in layers: long underwear, socks, slippers and even a hat indoors help.
- Bundle up outside with a hat, scarf and gloves, and tell someone when you’re going out.
- Use blankets when sitting for long periods.
- Eat regular meals and stay active to help your body make heat.
- Ask your doctor about medicines that might affect how you handle cold.
- Get help with heating bills if needed through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to feel cold all the time as you get older?
Feeling colder than you used to is common with age, but feeling cold all the time, especially with fatigue or weight changes, should be checked for thyroid problems, anemia or circulation issues.
What temperature should an older person keep their house?
The National Institute on Aging recommends keeping your home at 68°F or warmer to lower the risk of hypothermia.
Why do older people have cold hands and feet?
Circulation slows and the fat layer under the skin thins with age. Conditions like peripheral artery disease and diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the hands and feet.
What medical conditions cause feeling cold?
Common ones include hypothyroidism, anemia, diabetes, peripheral artery disease and low body weight. Some medicines can also play a role.
Can older adults get hypothermia indoors?
Yes. Because older bodies respond less well to cold, even a cool house can lead to hypothermia. Keep the heat at 68°F or higher and dress warmly.
The Bottom Line
Why do older people get cold? Thinner insulating fat, slower circulation, less muscle and a weaker response to cold all play a role, and conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes and anemia can add to it. Keep your home at 68°F or warmer, dress in layers, stay active and see a doctor if you feel cold all the time or notice signs of hypothermia.
Sources
- Hypothermia and older adults: Tips for staying safe in cold weather, National Institute on Aging
- Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid), NIDDK
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Symptoms and causes, Mayo Clinic
Sources accessed October 7, 2026. This article is general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your doctor.
