Falling temperatures require more than just adjusting the thermostat. For adults over 50, the cold serves as a significant physiological stressor that can exacerbate underlying health conditions.
That’s because aging bodies often become less efficient at retaining heat due to thinner skin and slower circulation.
According to AARP, these biological changes make older adults particularly susceptible to the effects of extreme cold. Understanding how your body reacts to low temperatures is the first step in preventing serious medical complications during the winter months.
Here are health risks to monitor when the temperature drops.
1. Increased blood pressure
When you’re exposed to cold, your blood vessels narrow to keep your core warm. This process, known as vasoconstriction, creates more resistance for your blood flow.
The American Heart Association notes that this forces the heart to pump harder, which can lead to a sudden and significant increase in blood pressure. For those already managing hypertension, this extra strain can be dangerous.
2. Higher risk of blood clots
Low temperatures can physically change the consistency of your blood.
Dr. Haitham Khraishah, a preventive cardiologist, told AARP that cold exposure can cause blood to become thicker. This increases the risk of developing blood clots, which are a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, especially in individuals with existing cardiovascular disease.
3. Respiratory irritation
Winter air is typically cold and dry, which can be harsh on the respiratory system. Inhaling this air can cause the muscles in the lungs to tighten, leading to a condition called bronchospasm. This often results in wheezing or shortness of breath.
Pulmonologists suggest wearing a scarf over your nose and mouth to warm and humidify the air before it reaches your lungs.
4. Dehydration and hypothermia
Thirst signals often diminish in the winter, making it easy to forget to hydrate. However, staying hydrated is essential for regulating body temperature.
Dehydration significantly increases the risk of hypothermia because the body cannot maintain its internal heat as effectively. This is a particular concern for those taking diuretics for blood pressure, as these medications increase fluid loss.
Signs of hypothermia include:
- Cold hands and feet
- Pale skin
- Shivering or shaking
- Slowed or slurred speech
- Puffy or swollen face
- Sleepiness, anger or confusion
Hypothermia can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.
5. Weakened immune defenses
The cold does not cause the flu or viruses, but it can make it easier for them to enter the body. Many disease-causing pathogens enter the body through the nose.
Cells near the front of the nose that detect the presence of pathogens release billions of fluid-filled sacs — called extracellular vesicles — into the mucus of the nose. The vesicles then go on to attack the pathogens.
Research published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that cold air reduces the release of extracellular vesicles, thus weakening this first line of defense.
6. Medication side effects and falls
Many medications common for adults over 50, including certain blood pressure drugs, can cause dizziness or reduced alertness. When combined with icy or uneven surfaces, these side effects significantly increase the risk of a fall.
Beyond the physical injury, these incidents can lead to high medical costs and a loss of independence.
Tips for staying warm this winter
The National Institute on Aging has some advice for preventing unsafe exposure to cold winter conditions:
- Check the weather to avoid going out on cold, windy days. And if you must go out on those days, don’t stay out long.
- Keep your friends and family informed of your plans to spend time outdoors and always carry your fully charged phone with you.
- Stock your car with warm blankets and cold-weather clothing.
- Keep your hands and head warm by wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens. Hand and foot warmers can help too.
- Wear insulating layers of clothing that are warm and loose.
- If it’s snowing or raining, be sure to wear a waterproof coat.
- If your clothing is wet or damp, change into something warm and dry as soon as possible.
Make sure your home is warm enough too by maintaining an indoor temperature of at least 68 degrees. Dressing in thin, warm layers can help mitigate these risks. Moisture-wicking garments are best as a base layer to keep skin dry, while outer layers should be water- and wind-resistant.
Learn more about how to keep your home toasty this winter in “6 Ways to Stay Warm Without Turning on the Heat (Some Will Surprise You).”
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