Which demographic is at the highest risk for developing hypothermia?

Elderly individuals are at the highest risk for developing hypothermia due to several physiological and situational factors. As people age, their body’s ability to regulate temperature decreases, primarily because of changes in the skin, a reduction in subcutaneous fat, and decreased metabolic rate. Additionally, older adults often have underlying health conditions or may be taking medications that impair temperature regulation or lead to decreased sensitivity to cold.

Environmental factors such as living alone, isolation, and being less physically active can further increase their vulnerability to hypothermia. As they may not realize how cold it is or how quickly their body is losing heat, this further compounds the risk. Understanding these factors helps paramedics and healthcare providers to effectively support and protect this demographic in cold weather scenarios.

Children under 12, while also susceptible to hypothermia, generally have better temperature regulation and recovery capabilities than the elderly. Middle-aged adults usually have a more robust ability to maintain body temperature, while athletes, despite being physically fit, often experience hypothermia mainly due to prolonged exposure to cold rather than an inherent risk based on demographic factors.