BACKGROUND: Accidental hypothermia is unintended body core temperature of 35 degrees C or below, a known hazard to elderly people in temperate and cold climates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present two old patients with severe hypothermia and a review of the literature focusing on risk factors, clinical presentation, and the treatment of hypothermia in the elderly. RESULTS: Two patients, aged 90 and 102 years, with body core temperature