Some like it hot

seniors-cold-572x290Last week I hosted an early morning meeting of care professionals at Senior Concerns. As we sailed into the second hour of our meeting and the early morning coolness gave way to summer heat, many of us in the room were sweating. When I asked why the room’s air conditioning hadn’t kicked in, I was told the thermostat was set at 78 degrees, as our Adult Day Program participants like it hot. No surprise here—thermostat wars happen every day at Senior Concerns. One person’s temperature comfort zone is different than another’s. When I asked the question though, I was reminded that, when it comes to our senior visitors, most like it nice and warm. I decided to do some research on why so many seniors prefer sauna-like conditions. I learned that babies and older people generally lose heat more easily through their skin because there is less fat and muscle to insulate them. If a senior is very thin, they will experience cold much more than seniors with a little more “meat on their...

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