Doctor says colder temperatures pose greater risks for seniors with medical conditions

Those with diabetes and thyroid problems could have a harder time staying warm.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As we prepare for the colder temperatures next week, it’s important to check in on those who are older and maybe even live by themselves. While the average healthy adult’s core body temperature sits around 98.6 degrees, older adults can get as low at 96 degrees.

That, combined with other medical factors that Dr. Juan Ramirez with Corpus Christi Medical Center says the elderly may have a harder time keeping themselves warm.

“Elderly people have less perception of the cold or the heat for multiple reasons. Some of them have dementia. Some of them have baseline disease or loss of perception of the current reality around their lives, especially with the temperature,” Ramirez said.

According to the National Institute of Aging, elderly people have a greater chance of being affected by colder temperatures, especially those with diabetes or thyroid problems. 

The organization also states that elderly with Parkinson’s or arthritis can have a harder time keeping their bodies warm as their condition can make it hard to put extra layers or move from one place to the other.

Ramirez adds that it’s important to check on every one of your family members during cold times but especially those that are smaller. 

“Obese people might have more resistance. They will be able to stay warm during the cold without noticing it for a longer period of time, whereas thin people will notice the cold quicker,” he said.

Ramirez adds that once the colder months arrive, elderly people do become more susceptible to seasonal illnesses such as the flu and common cold. 

“In the winter we have a large variety of viruses that are prevalent and make people who are elderly, or immune suppressed more susceptible. If you have a common cold and you get better and then you get worse, make sure you seek medical attention because you might be developing a bacterial infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia.”

When it comes to heating your home, Electrical Safety Foundation International advises those who live alone to maintain a minimum distance of three feet between heating equipment, like space heaters, and anything that could catch fire.

They also advise that you turn off your space heater when you leave a room or go to sleep. They stress to never leave it unattended.

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