Cold showers might not sound appealing, especially to those who enjoy the comfort of warm water, but this simple habit can have a surprising number of health benefits—particularly for older adults.

Canda-Leigh Habonimana takes a dip in the waters of Gatineau Park’s Meech Lake in Chelsea, Quebec, during a polar bear plunge on New Year’s Day. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press files) Dr. Mark Harper ...

Revelers enter the cold water during the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, file) (AP) — Dr. Mark Harper recalls his first cold-water swim ...