{"id":265,"date":"2026-01-09T22:14:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T22:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.research.colostate.edu\/center-for-healthy-aging\/?page_id=265"},"modified":"2026-01-14T18:16:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T18:16:09","slug":"body-temperature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.research.colostate.edu\/center-for-healthy-aging\/aging-basics-and-tips\/body-temperature\/","title":{"rendered":"Body Temperature"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Body Temperature: What Happens When We Age?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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One key challenge we face as humans is to maintain our internal body temperature in the range of 98.6\u00b0F (give or take a few degrees). Our bodies function best within a pretty narrow temperature span, and deviations in internal temperature\u2014whether they are caused by stresses like exercise or exposure to hot or cold ambient conditions\u2014can have serious consequences. We cope with these challenges by stimulating a coordinated set of responses aimed at maintaining body temperature within its optimal range. Unfortunately, some of the mechanisms we rely on to regulate internal temperature become less effective as we age. Read on to learn about best practices for managing these seasonal ambient temperature challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Hot Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When exposed to hot conditions, sweating is one of the primary methods your body uses to control its temperature. Sweat, as it evaporates, helps cool the skin. Blood vessels feeding the skin also dilate, which allows warm blood to flow to the skin surface. This helps remove heat from the body core. However, these responses are less effective as we age. Our sweat glands produce less sweat and blood flow to the skin is reduced. As a result, our ability to dissipate heat is compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In hot conditions, our bodies increase skin blood flow to dissipate heat\u2014but this ability declines as we age. (Graphic by Tom LaRocca, University of Colorado Boulder)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Sweating is a key way for the body to cool itself\u2014but our sweat glands become less effective as we age. (Graphic by Tom LaRocca, University of Colorado Boulder)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cold Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Exposure to cold has its own unique challenges. In an effort to defend body temperature, our bodies decrease blood flow to the skin to reduce heat loss. We also increase internal heat production through several mechanisms. One example is shivering\u2014or the rapid contraction of muscles\u2014which can quickly produce large quantities of heat within the body. But as we grow older, our bodies become less effective at controlling skin blood flow and generating internal heat. In addition, the layer of fat under our skin that acts as an isolator and helps to conserve body heat thins with age. Because of these changes, it is harder for older adults to maintain internal body temperature in the \u201cnormal\u201d range in cold conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In cold conditions, our bodies increase heat production while our external skin\/fat layers insulate us\u2014but both of these systems weaken as we age. (Graphic by Tom LaRocca, University of Colorado Boulder)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Body Temperature: Why Does This Matter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Why does this matter? A reduced ability to maintain internal body temperature during heat or cold stress can increase the risk for hyperthermia or hypothermia. In addition, coping with these conditions can stress the cardiovascular system, which is also compromised with aging. Thus, when older adults are faced with the combined challenges of temperature and cardiovascular regulation, caution should be observed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Body Temperature: Tips From The Experts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How can you deal with hot or cold conditions as you age? Whether it is exposure to outside temperatures or changes within your living space, here are some strategies to follow that can benefit your overall health and well-being:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What to Do When It\u2019s Cold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Living in a cold space for even a short period of time can cause your body temperature to decline and potentially cause hypothermia. There are several simple steps that can be taken:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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