My elderly mother has for years reported that she is cold (not just in winter) when it doesn't seem to me to be cold. i always do something to warm her up. is this only a peripheral problem? if her temperature were taken would it be likely to be low?

Can be 2/2 diseases: first you have to check the core temperature and it should be within normal , this feeling of coldness can be from different reasons exp, anemia and hypothyroidism and other reasons , so start with checking basic lab exp CBC and TSH, in addition to CMB and liver function test

See an MD: With her age, it is best to get blood tests (check for anemia, thyroid problems, kidney/liver function especially if on medications). She also needs a physical exam to check her peripheral circulation. It may be related to being thin and frail in elderly patients or a medication she is on. Temperature in elderly patients is not always accurate or reliable. Best to see an MD.