What are some causes of blood blisters in the elderly?

I have blood blisters/purpura? 73 years of age, active, work parttime, exercise 5 days a week. I can go to bed without them and wake up with them. I sleep alone. Do not take any kind of medication. Healthy. So, what's going on??

Thank you for the info. Being a caregiver for an elderly parent is not an easy job. Been doung it for 6 years. First was mom. Now dad. Any help and encouragement is welcome.

My FIL is like this. He forever has bruises, or Purpura on his hands and forearms, from nothing in particular, just "old skin", says his Dr. Sometimes if they take a baby aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention, it has something to do with that, just a minor bump, or like you said, putting on his jacket or sweatshirt can cause6it. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

No dad is still at home and so far doesnt need help getting up and down. I really think, he's forever putting a jacketon and taking it off, that maybe that rubs his shirt sleeve on upper arm. They disappear over a while. I try tellibg dad this but he thinks something is really wrong. And wants to go to ER. I took him to Dr. Dr says blood blister. Did blood work and nothing came up. I'm dads caregiver and trying to explain things to dad is getting harder.

Hmm, that does sound strange. Their skin is very fragile at that age, does anyone grab him by the arms to help him stand or re-position? Or is he being pulled across the bed without using a draw sheet? That could cause skin shear or friction burns.

They are red, slightly raised and different shapes. Dad is not on any blood thinners.

Is he on Coumadin? Blood thinners can cause spontaneous hemorrhage. Ask the MD to check his clotting time.

Are they blood blisters or is it more like a bruise? Elders commonly get red bruise-like spots called purpura.