Elderly and the Heat
By: Cynthia Milledge
Updated: June 19, 2010
With the heat index in the triple digits, it’s tough for folks like Dixie Ganter.
Her air conditioner isn’t working.So the Ouachita Council on Aging left her a gift.
Ganter says, "Thank you for the fan."
She saw it when she opened her door Friday afternoon.
She didn’t waste anytime putting it to use.
Ganter says, "It's hot in that house. I was used to the air."
Like Ganter, other seniors might find themselves in a similar situation.
McGehee says, "The elderly sometimes think the're keeping the heat out and they're actually keeping it in so they need to know to where light clothing. Stay in a cool place, drink a lot of fluids. If possible they can go to a senior center."
The organization is doing it’s part to make sure the more mature generation is protected from the scorching heat by giving them fans.
You must be at least 60 to qualify plus you must fill out an application.
McGehee says, "We're really loaning fans to them."
Ganter says it’s worth going through the application process knowing her home is going to be a little cooler.
Ganter says, "Sure I'm happy."
