What They Don’t Tell You About Aging (Until It’s Too Late)

Fluctuating Temperature

There is a quote from a Hayao Miyazaki film called Howl’s Moving Castle, where a character named Sophie says, “Why do you get so cold when you’re old? I’m fatter than ever yet the wind blows right through me!” And she wasn’t lying, either. Aging means thinner, less protective skin, so older adults—especially women—are going to get colder much faster. Older women also sweat less, since the sweat glands under the armpits shrink and get less sensitive. In other words, older adults do not sweat much.

Medical conditions may also contribute to temperature sensitivity. Problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions can make a person feel colder. Medications like beta blockers are known to cut off circulation to the extremities by reducing your heart rate. Furthermore, thyroid issues will affect temperature regulation.