I used to run around in shorts and a tee shirt, but as I aged the shorts were replaced by long pants, and a sweater or jacket was usually added. I remember my dad years ago, sitting in a warm sunny room wearing a sweater or leather jacket. Now, my mom is always prepared for changes in her body temperature. Regardless of the outside temperature, Dorothy is wearing three layers: silk undershirt, shirt or sweater, and coat! She is always cold.
Several things happen to our bodies as we age to cause us to be cold. Our circulation slows. Blood vessels don't expand and contract as efficiently as they once did. The body prioritizes keeping vital organs warm, so hands, feet and skin feel colder.
We all use muscle mas as we age. Muscle generates heat, so as we age we have less internal heat production.
Aging skin becomes thinner and loses some of its fat layer (and elasticity). This reduces insulation, so heat escapes more easily.
Basal metabolic rate declines as we age, meaning the body produces less heat overall and we slow down.
Hormonal changes for both men and women can make someone feel cold all the time. Lower thyroid activity, which is simply part of the aging process, can do this.
All of the above changes happen naturally in everyone, but medications and medical conditions can also contribute to us being cold. Blood pressure med, some antidepressants, sedatives and Parkinson's medications can worsen cold sensitivity.
Medical conditions such as anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease and poor nutrition can also make feeling cold more pronounced.
Feeling cold is just another one of the many changes we experience as we age. Taking a warm bath is my favorite remedy to feeling cold. As this is not always available, taking a brisk walk will warm you up, get your circulation going, and generally just make you feel good. That's my answer to a lot of of conditions, both physical and mental.
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