How Older Adults Can Prevent... How Older Adults Can Prevent
Hypothermia You probably know winter can spell trouble. You can
fall on ice or overdo it shoveling snow, for instance. But did
you know cold itself can cause a problem? It's called
hypothermia, and it takes place when your body temperature drops
below normal. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says older
adults are especially prone to hypothermia, which can prove
deadly if it's not treated quickly. Staying in a cold place for
too long can cause the problem. Older adults are more at risk
for hypothermia because aging lowers your ability to endure long
periods of cold. You're also at risk if your response to cold is
impaired by certain illnesses, such as diabetes, and some
medicines, including over-the-counter cold remedies. Less body
heat What's more, the NIA warns, older people may be less active
and generate less body heat. And changes in aging bodies make it
harder for you to tell when the temperature is too low, adds the
American Geriatrics So