Why You're Always Cold — And It Could Be Serious

On a sunny day in late spring, a woman shivers under a throw blanket as the rest of her family lounges in T-shirts. She reaches for a cup of tea while her grandson opens a window, prompting her to quietly tug her sweater tighter. "It's warm in here," he says. But to Ruth — and millions of older adults like her — it's not.

The truth is, constantly feeling cold as you age is more than just a quirky side effect of getting older. Sometimes, it's completely normal. Other times, it's a warning sign your body doesn't want you to ignore.

Let's break down what's happening beneath the surface.

Aging and the Internal Thermostat

Feeling colder as you age is common — and often completely normal. As your body gets older, it changes in subtle but meaningful ways that can leave you more sensitive to the cold.

Your metabolism, for one, begins to slow down. That means your body isn't generating heat as efficiently as it used to. You also lose fat beneath your skin — your natural insulation — making it harder to stay warm in cooler environments.

Even the elasticity of your blood vessels declines, reducing circulation. That's why your hands and feet might feel icy even if the room is toasty. The natural aging process slows the body's ability to maintain a stable internal temperature.

But It's Not Always Just Age

While some cold sensitivity is expected, there's a line where it can signal something deeper.

Certain medical conditions can make older adults feel much colder than usual. For instance:

• Anemia reduces the number of red blood cells that carry oxygen — which also carries warmth — throughout your body. If you're anemic, blood may prioritize vital organs, leaving your extremities cold.
• Hypothyroidism slows your metabolism even further and makes temperature regulation harder. You might feel sluggish and cold, even in summer.
• Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, limiting both circulation and your ability to sense temperature changes. That means your body may not respond properly to cold — and you might not feel it until you're already at risk.
• Kidney disease or heart failure may lower your core temperature, increase fatigue, and affect how your body handles cold — especially when blood flow is compromised.

Even certain medications, like beta blockers, can restrict blood flow to the limbs, leaving fingers and toes especially prone to chill.

When to See a Doctor About Feeling Cold

So, how do you know when "I'm always cold" crosses the line from quirky to concerning?

Experts advise checking in with a doctor if you notice any of these red flags:

• You're feeling colder than others in the same room.
• You've suddenly developed cold sensitivity that's new or worsening.
• The chill is interfering with your daily life.
• You experience other symptoms — like fatigue, numbness, paleness, or trouble concentrating.

Left unchecked, some of these issues can escalate. In fact, older adults are more vulnerable to hypothermia, even when temperatures seem mild. A room set at 70 degrees might feel fine to some — but for a senior with a slower metabolism, it could pose a risk.

Tips to Stay Warm — And Stay Safe

If your cold sensitivity is harmless, there's still plenty you can do to stay comfortable:

• Layer up in breathable, warm clothing
• Keep indoor temperatures at or above 70°F
• Sip hot beverages like tea or broth
• Eat regularly — food fuels your body's heat
• Talk to your doctor about medications and bloodwork if you feel unusually chilly
• Above all, don't brush off the cold. Sometimes your body whispers before it shouts. Listening to those signs — even the small ones — is one way to stay ahead of health concerns.

Aging changes how your body feels and responds to temperature. That's normal. But when that chill lingers too long or feels unusually intense, it might be your body's quiet cry for help. Being aware isn't overreacting. It's staying ahead — and staying well.

References: Feeling colder as you get older? Here are some reasons why | Is Grandma Always Cold? Why Seniors Feel Cold, and How You Can Help | 15 Reasons Why You're Always Cold | Does Feeling Cold Indicate Morbidity in the Elderly? | 8 Reasons You're Always Cold | Why am I always cold? 9 possible medical reasons and when to see a doctor