Though our staff at the Arbors Assisted Living community strive to make our residents comfortable throughout the year, we do notice that some our residents are cold nearly all of the time. How does this happen? Here are some clues.

Diseases

Hypothyroidism

This means that the thyroid, a gland found in the neck, is underactive and not secreting enough thyroid hormone. Since thyroid hormone helps to regulate nearly every system in the body, the person may not just feel cold all the time but tired and sluggish. Their skin may be dry and itchy, and they may lose their appetite and lose weight.

Hypopituitarism

This means that the pituitary gland, a tiny gland found in the brain, isn’t releasing enough of its hormones.

Problems with the Hypothalamus

This gland, also found in the brain, controls a person’s body temperature.

Fibromyalgia

Mostly a disease found in women, this baffling condition causes widespread pain and tenderness and can make a person cold intolerant.

Anemia

Anemia occurs when there are too few red blood cells. Sometimes the blood cells are destroyed faster than the person’s body can produce them. Anemia is often a symptom of another disease.

Problems with the Immune System

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is a type of hypothyroidism, but in this case it is an auto-immune disease. This means that the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and organs. In this case, the person’s immune system attacks their thyroid gland.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE

This disease affects many bodily systems, including the joints, the skin and the internal organs. Many people with SLE have a tell-tale butterfly-shaped rash on their face.

Other Conditions

Having Small Amounts of Body Fat

Many senior aged people simply do not have enough body fat that keep them from feeling the cold. The solution is not to get fat! Cold intolerance because of low body fat can be remedied by wearing layers of clothing or extra blankets and a heating pad at night.

Anorexia

This disorder comes about when the person stops eating properly and loses weight and body fat. It is not restricted to young girls. Seniors can also suffer from anorexia.

If you know or are a senior aged person with a desire to live in a comfortable and caring assisted living facility, get in touch with us at The Arbors Assisted Living today.