Aging is a process that affects everyone throughout their lives. When it occurs naturally, the body’s cells and functions gradually lose their capacity, but in principle this process does not lead to any disorders beyond the progressive limitations inherent in aging itself.
It is true that the deterioration of various bodily functions makes older adults more sensitive to various stimuli and increases their likelihood of developing autoimmune disorders.
The drop in temperatures has physical effects on everyone, but especially on older adults. This is due to certain characteristics of fat cells. Yes, when we say that fat “protects us from the cold,” we were right, and now, thanks to a study by Yale University and the University of California, San Francisco, we know why.
This scientific research project has provided concrete answers to the questions we ask ourselves about older adults and the cold. It turns out that immune cells in fat tissue are designed to protect us from low temperatures. However, this function can deteriorate over time, causing people to experience more inflammation due to the cold, as well as a higher incidence of chronic diseases.
The study, published in the journal *Cell Metabolism*, used a group of mice as test subjects to examine the development of adipose tissue. It turned out thatinnate cells, which are responsible for restoring body heat, could cause cold-induced death due to the deterioration of their functions. Over time, these cells lose their ability to function, and both mice and humans become more vulnerable to damage from low temperatures.
One of the main risks posed by cold weather for people of this age group is joint stiffness. In addition, bones can become more fragile and are more prone to injury in older adults with poor health. One reason for this is that cold temperatures cause tissues to contract, making the body less flexible overall.
In addition to these mobility issues, older adults may experience breathing problems, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, or pneumonia. In older adults, these types of illnesses can cause serious breathing difficulties. People who are unable to breathe in and out repeatedly may experience various types of shortness of breath.Many people of this age live alone, so they may be at risk of severerespiratory illnesses without proper care.
The outer layers of the skin can also become dry and cracked in cold weather. Older adults do not have as much skin vitality or the ability to regenerate quickly. Similarly, wounds may take longer to heal and close properly in older adults.
It has been shown that there can be a range of cognitive impairments, as older adults have more difficulty reasoning and communicating.
And then there’s the flu virus, which affects more than 10 percent of the elderly population in winter because the virus spreads more quickly in cold temperatures and high humidity.
This list of symptoms is associated with biological aging processes. However, these may be compounded by pathological aging processesrelated to oxidative stress or an increased release of free radicals.
Older adults should ensure their homes are properly heated and avoid going outside during the coldest hours of the day. However, it is a good idea to thoroughly ventilate the rooms in the house in the morning.
It is important that they dress warmly and eat foods suitable for cold weather—always hot meals, and especially broths, soups, or hot drinks, which help the body adjust and provide comfort.
The key is for them to be monitored by medical professionals to track their health, and for family members or close friends to keep an eye on their habits and routines during this time of year.
https://www.biosalud.org/blog/claves-para-retrasar-el-envejecimiento/
