Hypothermia Bundling up and dressing in layers can help protect people from cold weather. But sometimes that's not enough.
Some people are more vulnerable to temperature changes.
In such people, body temperature can drop dramatically, a condition called hypothermia. Age is one of the things that can put you more at risk of developing hypothermia. According to the National Institute on Aging, older people are at risk, not only in very cold weather, but even in mildly cooler temperatures. Seniors on a fixed income may be even more vulnerable if they're unable to afford sufficient heat during the colder months. In addition to age, certain illness can also make someone more susceptible to the cold.