Quick answer
Older adults often feel cold because of normal aging (slower metabolism, less muscle and less fat under the skin) and poorer circulation. But feeling cold all the time can also signal a treatable problem such as an underactive thyroid, anemia, diabetes, weight loss or a medication side effect. Keep the home at 68°F or warmer, dress in layers, eat regular warm meals, and see the doctor if the coldness is new or comes with other symptoms.
You walk into Mom’s house and it feels like a sauna, yet she’s wearing a cardigan and asking for a blanket. Or Dad keeps the thermostat cranked up and still complains his hands and feet are freezing. It’s one of the most common things families notice, and usually it’s simply part of getting older. But not always.
Why Older Adults Feel the Cold More
- Slower metabolism. The body produces less heat as we age.
- Less muscle and less fat under the skin. Both help keep the body warm, and both tend to decrease.
- Thinner skin and poorer circulation, so hands and feet cool down faster.
- Being less active. Sitting for long periods means less body heat.
- Not eating or drinking enough. Food is fuel for body heat.
When Feeling Cold Can Be a Sign of Something Else
If your parent has always run cold, it’s probably nothing new. But if it’s a change, or it comes with other symptoms, it’s worth a doctor’s visit. Common medical causes include:
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): often with tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, constipation or low mood. It’s very common in older women, and a simple blood test can check it.
- Anemia (low iron or vitamin B12): often with tiredness, breathlessness or pale skin.
- Diabetes, which can affect circulation and nerves in the feet.
- Peripheral artery disease or Raynaud’s, which cause cold, pale or discolored hands and feet.
- Unintended weight loss or poor appetite.
- Kidney disease.
Could It Be a Medication?
As a pharmacist would point out, medications are an often-overlooked cause. Beta-blockers (common heart and blood pressure medicines, such as metoprolol and atenolol) can cause cold hands and feet. Some other medicines can affect circulation or how the body regulates temperature. If the coldness began after a new medicine or a dose change, mention it to the doctor or pharmacist. Never stop a medicine on your own.
When to Get Help Right Away: Hypothermia
Older adults can develop hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature) indoors, even in a home that doesn’t feel very cold, especially if they’re thin, unwell, or have dementia. Warning signs include:
- Confusion, sleepiness or slurred speech
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Pale, cold skin, sometimes with puffiness in the face
- Shivering, though shivering may stop as hypothermia worsens
If you suspect hypothermia, call 911. While you wait, move them somewhere warm, remove any damp clothing, wrap them in blankets, and give a warm (not hot) drink if they’re fully awake and able to swallow.
Practical Ways to Help Them Stay Warm
Keep the home warm enough. The National Institute on Aging suggests keeping indoor temperatures at 68°F or warmer for older adults. If heating bills are a worry, the federal LIHEAP program helps eligible households. Your local Area Agency on Aging can help (Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116).
Dress in layers. Several thin layers trap heat better than one thick sweater. Add a hat and socks indoors, since a lot of heat is lost through the head and feet.
Eat regular, warm meals and stay hydrated. Soups, hot drinks and regular snacks help the body make heat.
Keep moving. Gentle activity, even standing up and walking around the room every hour, boosts circulation.
Warm the room they actually use. A safe space heater in the living room can be cheaper than heating the whole house.
Block drafts with draft stoppers, closed curtains at night, and closed doors to unused rooms.
Products That Help, Used Safely
DREO Space Heater with Thermostat
Compact, with a thermostat that holds a steady temperature in the room your parent uses most. Confirm tip-over and overheat protection on the listing, and always plug it straight into the wall.
- A safe space heater with tip-over shut-off, overheat protection and a thermostat. Read our space heater safety guide first, since heaters cause many home fires.
- A heated throw with automatic shut-off for the couch. See our heated blanket guide. Avoid heated products if your parent has numbness in the feet or legs (common with diabetes), because they may not feel a burn.
- Warm, closed-back, non-slip slippers. See our slipper guide.
- A humidifier, since heated air is dry. It won’t make the room warmer, but it helps with dry skin and lips. See our humidifier guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my elderly mother always cold?
Usually because of normal aging: slower metabolism, less muscle and fat, and poorer circulation. But an underactive thyroid, anemia, diabetes, weight loss or medications like beta-blockers can also cause it. If it’s new or comes with other symptoms, see the doctor.
What temperature should an elderly person’s house be?
The National Institute on Aging suggests at least 68°F for older adults.
Can medication make you feel cold?
Yes. Beta-blockers, a common type of heart and blood pressure medicine, can cause cold hands and feet, and some other medicines can affect circulation. Ask the doctor or pharmacist, and don’t stop any medicine on your own.
Can elderly people get hypothermia indoors?
Yes. Older adults can develop hypothermia inside a cool house, especially if they’re thin, unwell or have dementia. Confusion, sleepiness and slurred speech are warning signs. Call 911 if you suspect it.
This article provides general information and is not medical advice. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about new or persistent symptoms. This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate (website0079-20) I earn from qualifying purchases. See our Affiliate Disclosure.