The Heat and the Elderly

As you have already discovered, I'm sure, it is very hot outside and for the foreseeable future at least it is going to stay that way. When the work is done and we are on our way home thoughts of our cool air conditioned homes run through our heads. Well tonight when you are enjoying that air conditioning take a few minutes to think about this. Elderly people throughout the south are living their lives without air conditioners. They sit at home every day and don't do the basic things they need to do to stay safe in that hot environment. What can we do about it? Think of one person that you know that does not have air conditioning and check on them. Make sure that every day or so you go by or maybe just give them a call to make sure that they are drinking water and eating properly. The heat is deadly for the elderly because the older you are the more susceptible you are to dehydration and you have less of a tolerance for extreme tempertures. This is further complicated if you are not eating properly because it is so hot that you just don't feel like eating anything. There are a host of agencies that are out there which are advocates for the elderly and would greatly appreciate a call. If you know someone who may be at risk because of the heat and a lack of air conditioning you could call Adult Protective Services (843)398-4061 or The Darlington County Council on the Aging (843)393-8521 just to name a couple. Armed with this information and with just a small bit of effort you could be a positive influence in an elderly person's life. Thanks for your attention and we welcome comments you may have on this topic.