With aging, individuals tend to feel colder and usually need the thermostat in their home set higher in the winter to feel warm enough. This is probably because the elderly
A) no longer experience hot flashes at night.
B) exhibit a decrease in melanin production.
C) experience a decrease in the thickness of their subcutaneous fat layer.
D) have less blood flowing to the skin.
E) have an increase in desquamation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With aging, individuals tend to experience a decrease in the thickness of their subcutaneous fat layer, which acts as insulation, and therefore feel colder. Melanin production (B) and desquamation (E) do not play a significant role in regulating body temperature. Hot flashes (A) are a symptom of menopause and do not apply to all elderly individuals. While blood flow to the skin (D) may decrease with aging, it does not directly contribute to feeling colder.

With Aging, Individuals Tend to Feel Colder and Usually Need