How to Keep Warm Later in Life

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As we get older, our bodies often become more sensitive to the cold, and staying snug becomes about more than just comfort, it’s about staying healthy, safe, and independent in your own home.

While keeping old people warm can sometimes feel like a constant battle against the British weather, there are many simple, practical steps you can take to reclaim your warmth and keep those winter shivers at bay.

Why Do Old People Find it Harder to Keep Warm?

So, why do elderly people feel cold all the time? There are actually several natural, biological reasons why you might be reaching for an extra jumper more often as you get older:

• Slower Circulation: As we age, our circulation can slow down. This makes it harder for the body to pump blood to our extremities, which is why hands and feet often feel the coldest.
• Thinner Skin: We naturally lose some of the protective fat layer under our skin as we get older. This layer acts as natural insulation; without it, heat escapes the body much faster.
• Metabolic Changes: Our metabolism, the process that creates energy and heat, tends to slow down, meaning our internal “engine” doesn’t run as hot as it once did.
• Health Conditions: Certain conditions, such as anaemia or thyroid issues, can also play a role in how we regulate temperature.

How to Keep Old People Warm: Everyday Tips

The secret to staying warm or helping a loved one stay warm often lies in small, manageable lifestyle adjustments. Here are some gentle ways to warm up for old people without feeling overwhelmed:

The Power of Layers

Instead of one heavy coat, try wearing several thin layers of clothing. Layers trap air between them, which acts as an excellent insulator. Thermal underwear, woollen cardigans, and gilets are wonderful things to keep old people warm while remaining easy to put on and take off.

Keep Moving Gently

While it might be tempting to stay still when it’s cold, gentle movement helps boost your circulation. Simple chair-based exercises, like ankle circles or lifting your knees, can generate body heat and keep your joints flexible.

Eat and Drink for Warmth

A change in diet can make all the difference. Having at least one hot meal a day and regular warm drinks (like tea, coffee, or a nutritious soup) can help maintain your core body temperature. It’s a lovely, comforting way to stay hydrated and toasted from the inside out.

Close the Drafts

Keep your living room and bedroom warm by closing curtains at dusk to trap the heat. If you have any drafty doors, a simple draft excluder can make a noticeable difference in maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature.

Comfort and Heat at the Touch of a Button

At Grosvenor Mobility, we believe that staying warm should be effortless. Sometimes, even with layers and hot drinks, you need a little extra help to feel truly settled.

This is where your furniture can become your best ally. Many of our riser recliner chairs come with optional integrated heat and massage systems.

• Soothing Warmth: Instead of fumbling with hot water bottles, our built-in heating elements provide a gentle, consistent warmth across your back and seat.
• Supportive Independence: By keeping your muscles warm, these features can help ease stiffness, making it much easier and more comfortable to stand up and move around.
• Peace of Mind: You can relax knowing the heat is controlled, safe, and designed specifically to enhance your wellbeing.

Helping a Loved One Who Is Always Cold

If you are a carer or family member looking to help an elderly person who is always cold, remember that comfort is personal.

Check that their heating is set to at least 18°C in the rooms they use most. Beyond that, offering practical gifts, like a luxury fleece throw or a pair of non-slip thermal socks, or offering to make them hot drinks and hot water bottles, can show you care while providing much-needed insulation.

Living with the cold shouldn’t be a struggle. If you’d like to see how a heated riser recliner can improve your comfort and independence, why not try one in the comfort of your own home with one of our free home trials? Get in touch today to experience the comfort, support and independence these chairs can provide for you or a loved one.