Purpose: This study seeks to clarify the presence or absence of cold sensitivity, lifestyle habits considered as factors for cold sensitivity, and accompanying symptoms in elderly men.
Method: The study enrolled men aged 65 years or elderly living in A region, Japan. The participants were asked about their basic attributes, lifestyle habits, presence or absence of accompanying symptoms, the Terasawa Hiesho Questionnaire, and body parts with cold sensation and its degree.
Results: Of 234 participants, 55 (23.5%) were diagnosed with cold sensitivity.
The elderly individuals with cold sensitivity tended to weigh less than those without. In terms of lifestyle habits, elderly men with cold sensitivity were significantly associated with having “many likes and dislikes” and “bathing only once a week or taking showers.” There were significant differences in nine accompanying symptoms, including “fatigue,” “tiredness,” “dizziness and lightheadedness,” “constipation tendency,” “frequent urination,” and “light sleep.”
Conclusion: Cold sensitivity was present in 20% of elderly male participants. Accompanying symptoms appear to affect their daily activities. Information provision about the occurrence of cold sensitivity in men and coping strategies should be considered.
