Safest Indoor Temperature for Seniors in the Winter, and Why it Matters

As people grow older, they become much more vulnerable to changes in temperature. In summer, the elderly can be vulnerable to heat strokes. The same can be said about the winter months when it is critical for seniors to stay warm.

Safest Temperatures for Seniors

According to Companion for Seniors, the ideal indoor temperature for an elderly person’s home is between 68 °F (20 °C) and 74 °F (23.3 °C). Exposure to temperatures lower than that can have significant negative effects on a senior’s health.

Because many seniors have chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid issues, they have trouble retaining body heat. Also, many medications cause dehydration, making it even harder to stay warm. Due to these issues, seniors can be affected by even brief exposure to low temperatures. Academic Journal Age and Aging suggests that elderly people can start to experience negative side effects from the cold in as little as 45 minutes of exposure.

How to Regulate Senior’s Temperature

As elderly people are exposed to the cold, their strength begins to decrease in most important muscle groups, reducing their mobility, independence, and safety. For example, decreased strength makes them more susceptible to falling and getting injured. Griswold Home Care warns that low room temperatures put seniors at risk of hypothermia, which can result in loss of energy, liver damage, kidney problems, or even heart attacks.

To ensure a safe and proper temperature for a senior, make sure that their home has proper insulation. Check-in on them frequently – encourage them to drink lots of water, wear multiple layers, and stay physically active.

Seniors may not realize when the temperatures in their homes have shifted. From memory issues to changes in sensitivity, it’s important to be on top of their home’s temperatures. If you are shopping for methods of temperature control, Landlord Thermostats offers an excellent selection of products for an affordable cost.

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