Andover Neighbourcare Home Page.
A local charity that has been helping the Senior Citizens for over 25 years in Andover and surrounding areas. Andover Neighbourcare assists those in genuine need in the local community by providing support to maintain their independence.
Last updated: Wednesday 1st December 2021
Next update by Wednesday 15th December 2021
We have a new page called News and Views this will show you any things that are going on in our area
Feeling colder as you get older? Here are some reasons why
Photo by Philippe Leone on Unsplash
- Increased cold sensitivity is a normal part of aging, but it can also be a sign of a health problem.
- Older adults have a thinner layer of fat under the skin, making them more susceptible to cold.
- Conditions like diabetes, peripheral artery disease and kidney disease can restrict blood flow and lower body temperature.
As the years go by, you’ve probably noticed some changes to how you look and feel. Maybe there’s an extra wrinkle here and there, a stray grey hair or a different pace in your step. It’s all part of the aging process.
But one day in late Autumn, maybe you realized you need a few extra layers after getting a deep chill on a walk. Or maybe you’ve found yourself adjusting the thermostat higher once Winter rolls around.
Is your increased need to stay warm more than just the winter season?
Aging can bring many changes to our bodies, including an increased sensitivity to cold. In most cases, this change is normal. However, some health conditions can make you feel colder. It’s essential to address these problems before they turn into serious complications.
Here are some ways to determine if it’s a natural chill or a potential health issue to discuss with your doctor.
Why do you feel colder as you get older?
As you age, there are a few different body changes that can affect your cold tolerance, including:
- Your metabolism slows. It’s normal for your metabolic rate to decrease, and along with it, your body’s response to the cold. For example, certain body receptors may not work as quickly to tell your blood vessels to constrict and maintain your body temperature.
- The fat layers under the skin start to thin. This fat layer conserves body heat, so you’re more likely to feel cold when it starts to thin.
- Your blood vessels lose elasticity. When your blood vessels aren’t as flexible, your circulation decreases. When your blood doesn’t circulate normally, it’s harder for your body to retain heat. This can cause your hands and feet to feel cold.
Conditions that increase cold sensitivity
Your increased cold sensitivity may be a normal part of aging, but a health condition may also be the reason why you need an extra sweater around the house.
If you notice you’re feeling cold more often, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. He or she can help make sure you’re addressing any health problems before they get serious.
Cardiovascular disease
Blood circulation plays a significant role in how your body retains heat. If your blood can’t flow normally through your body, your arms, legs, hands and feet may start to feel cold. This is because your body will prioritize blood flow to critical areas like your brain and heart.
Cardiovascular diseases — including heart failure, coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease (PAD) — can affect how blood flows in your arteries and blood vessels. For example, plaque buildup can restrict and even block blood flow.
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition where you don’t have enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen to tissues throughout your body. When you’re anaemic, your body will direct the oxygen-full red blood cells to important organs, such as your brain, kidney or heart. This can leave your skin, hands and feet feeling cold because there’s less blood flow and oxygen coming to those parts of your body.
Kidney disease
Kidneys filter waste out of your blood, and kidney disease can disrupt this process. When waste builds up in the body, your core body temperature can decrease. Kidney disease can also cause anemia, which can leave you feeling cold.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause different health issues that affect your cold sensitivity, including kidney disease and anemia. However, high blood sugar can also damage your nerves, especially in your arms and feet (also called diabetic neuropathy). When the nerves are damaged, your arms and feet may feel cold, numb or tingly.
Thyroid problems
Thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism affect how your body regulates hormones. Some hormones help control your body’s temperature. When you have a thyroid issue, you may not have enough of these temperature-controlling hormones, which can leave you feeling cold.
Medications can increase cold sensitivity
You may feel cold as a side effect of a new medication. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, which you may take to lower your blood pressure, often cause cold hands and feet. This is because the medicines can reduce blood circulation to your extremities.
Don’t ignore the cold
If you’re often reaching for another blanket or sweater, it may be time to talk to your doctor, especially if:
- Your symptoms are new
- Your symptoms get worse
- You feel cold when others are comfortable
- Feeling cold affects your daily activities
Older adults can lose body heat faster, so it’s crucial to get to the bottom of what’s causing the chill. When ignored, a rapidly dropping body temperature could lead to hypothermia.
Kindly copied from an article first published by Providence a American company published in January 2021
In the next update we hope to include hints on keeping warm through winter
The Neighbourcare Telephone Buddie Scheme was set up during the pandemic. Over 1000 people were contacted by telephone to check that they had the appropriate help that they required. 400 people during this time had regular telephone calls and prescriptions were also collected on their behalf. Most of these people are still receiving this assistance and this service is still ongoing. To obtain a Buddie, please call 01264 339899 and ask for Pam.
WELCOME TO ANDOVER NEIGHBOURCARE
Andover Neighbourcare is a local charity providing a wealth of services to the local and wider community.We offer help with Transport, Shopping, Cleaning, Gardening, Relieving carers and much much more.You can find us at 12 to 16 Union Street, Andover, Hants, SP10 1PAThe office is open from 9 to 4 or ring us on 01264 339899 / 404142 or 336020
Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash
Andover Neighbourcare is a local charity providing a wealth of services to the local and wider community.We offer help with Transport, Shopping, Cleaning, Gardening, Relieving carers and much much more.In addition we also offer on Monday Afternoon Tea & Games which are held at the United Reformed Church hall.More information about Andover Neighbourcare, our staff, volunteers, services, members and community shop can be found by simply clicking the relevant button in the menu on the top left hand side of this page. MEMBERSHIP SCHEME Our membership scheme cost just £20 per year or £30 per year for couples. Membership benefits include up to date information with what's happening at Andover Neighbourcare, parties, events and reduced rates on Mini Bus fares. Please use the contact form to register your interest, pop in to the offices or call 01264 404142.
Andover Neighbourcare has been asked about how people can donate on line to the charity. You can donate cash by going to localgiving.org/charity/andover-neighbourcare.Cheque donations can be sent to 12 Union Street made payable to Andover Neighbourcare.Cash donations can also be made at the office for which you will be listed as a friend of Neighbourcare.Donations for the charity shop can be collected if needed.Or if you only wish to give your time to help on any of the schemes we run please contact the officeMany thanks for your support.
Follow us on Facebook
Please click on the highlighted square section on the left of the below logo
If you would like to contact us please fill in the form below.
When you fill in the below form please check your e-mail and if possible add a phone number.
Number of people that have walked over our site.