Is Whole-Body Cryotherapy OK for People Over 50?

Written by: A Hot Place To Chill

Published Oct 25, 2026 · Updated Oct 25, 2026

That's the honest answer. The rest of this guide explains why, what the research does and doesn't say, and how a first session works for older guests at our recovery studio in New Buffalo, Michigan.

What is whole-body cryotherapy?

Whole-body cryotherapy means standing in a chamber of extremely cold, dry air for a short time. A Cochrane review describes it as air colder than −100°C (about −148°F) for two to four minutes per session (Cochrane, 2015).

At A Hot Place To Chill, a session is about 3 minutes. It is dry air, so you don't get wet. We don't have a cold plunge, and cold air and cold water are not the same experience.

Does age matter for cryotherapy?

Age by itself is not the question. Your own health is. A healthy, active 68-year-old and a 52-year-old with a new heart concern are in very different places.

What does change with age is how the body handles cold. The National Institute on Aging notes that, as we get older, it can be harder to sense when the body is getting too cold in cold weather (NIA). The same page notes that some medicines, including some bought over the counter, can affect body heat, and suggests asking your doctor about yours.

That's why we ask older guests, and really every guest with a health condition, to check with their doctor first. It's not a test you have to pass with us. It's a quick, sensible step so you can relax and enjoy the visit.

What should I ask my doctor?

You don't need a long appointment. A short question at your next visit or a call to the office is often enough. Some easy questions:

• "Is a 3-minute session in very cold, dry air OK for me?"
• "Do any of my medicines change how I handle cold?"
• "Is there anything I should watch for during or after?"

Bring the answer with you, and tell our team at check-in. Our team will talk it through with you at the visit.

What does the research say about older adults?

The research on whole-body cryotherapy is still small, and most of it is not in older adults.

• A 2015 Cochrane review found only four small studies, with 64 people, almost all young men. It said there isn't enough evidence to know whether cryotherapy eases soreness after exercise (Cochrane, 2015).
• A 2023 scoping review looked at reported side effects of true whole-body cryotherapy. It found 16 documented events across five case reports and two trials, and concluded that the risks are within acceptable limits when people follow existing safety guidance and common sense (Legrand et al., 2023).
• Harvard Health notes that the FDA has not cleared or approved these devices to treat any specific medical condition (Harvard Health, 2020).

Put simply: only a small number of side effects have been documented in published reports, safety guidance matters, and benefits are not proven. Some people find it may help them feel less sore for a while, and many guests report feeling refreshed. We don't promise more than that.

How do we make a first session easy for older guests?

A few habits make a big difference at any age, and especially for first-timers over 50:

1. Go at your own pace. Tell us it's your first time. We'll explain each step before you start.
2. Stay completely dry. Damp skin or damp clothes raise the risk of cold injury. If you just left the sauna, towel off and wait until you're dry.
3. Cover hands, feet, and ears. Dry socks, shoes or slippers, and gloves are standard. Harvard Health suggests a band over the ears as well (Harvard Health, 2020).
4. Take off jewelry. Metal gets cold fast.
5. Stop whenever you like. You can end the session early at any time. Just say so.
6. Warm up after. Put your robe back on and move a little. Many guests then head to the infrared sauna or compression.

For a full walk-through, see Your first cryotherapy session.

When should I stop or get help?

Stop and tell our team right away if you feel dizzy, faint, numb, or short of breath, or if anything feels wrong.

Call 911 for chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, or sudden confusion, weakness, or slurred speech.

If you have a health condition or take regular medicine, check with your doctor first, before your visit.

Is cold air different from a cold plunge for older adults?

Yes. A cold plunge means sitting in cold water. Harvard Health explains that the first shock of cold water can speed up your heart rate and raise blood pressure (Harvard Health, 2025). Our cryotherapy is dry air for about 3 minutes, and you're standing up, so you can step out the moment you want to. That said, cold air is still cold, and "check with your doctor first" applies to both.

How does cryo fit into a visit?

The chamber takes about 3 minutes. A full visit takes about an hour, often with the sauna, red light (eye protection every session), compression, or our robotic massage chairs. There's no single right order; our guide Sauna or cold first? covers the options.

Cryotherapy is part of the Day Pass ($67). Locals can choose Monthly All Access at $175 a month. See every plan on our memberships and passes page or our cryotherapy page.

Where can I try it near New Buffalo?

We're at 400 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117, a short drive from Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, Grand Beach, Michigan City, and La Porte. Call (269) 612-8913 with questions before you come.

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30 to 6; Tuesday 9 to 6; Friday 9 to 4; Saturday 8:30 to 3; Sunday 10 to 2.

When you're ready: Start my visit →

Visit us

A Hot Place To Chill

400 S Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117

Call (269) 612-8913

Hours: Mon 8:30–6 · Tue 9–6 · Wed 8:30–6 · Thu 8:30–6 · Fri 9–4 · Sat 8:30–3 · Sun 10–2

Start my visit →

Sources

• Cochrane, 2015: Whole-body cryotherapy for preventing and treating muscle soreness after exercise
• National Institute on Aging: Cold weather safety for older adults
• Legrand et al., 2023: Reported side effects of whole-body cryotherapy
• Harvard Health, 2020: Can cryotherapy stop your pain cold?
• Harvard Health, 2025: Cold plunges — healthy or harmful for your heart?

This article is for general information about relaxation and recovery services. It is not medical advice.

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