CONNECTICUT, USA — As high temperatures continue to scorch the Northeast, one population in particular is at higher risk of severe heat-related illness.
According to the CDC, older adults can’t adjust as easily to changes in temperature. That means anyone 65 or older is more prone to heat illness or even death.
“We don’t think it’s really safe for us to be out in this weather,” said 99-year-old June Mandelkern of West Hartford.
Mandelkern and her partner, Mervyn Strauss, are riding out the heat wave by spending time indoors with the air conditioning blasting.
“It’s an old house so the air conditioning in the house is a little bit uneven,” said Mandelkern, “but it’s sufficient to keep us cool with the level we’re at now.”
The elderly are particularly prone to heat-related illness due to factors like medication interfering with regulating body temperature, or pre-existing health conditions.
Sally Smith of Newington said, “I’m aware of it. It’s not a concern of mine because I’ll just keep myself cooled off and be inside but I imagine for some people, some who’s air conditioning is down this week, it would be difficult.”
Not only difficult, but potentially deadly. According to the National Institute on Aging, most heat-related deaths are caused by lack of access to air conditioning or fans.
Over in Wethersfield, where the senior population is significant, EMS personnel said they haven’t had too many heat-related calls so far. Regardless, efforts are underway to assist those who may not have air conditioning up and running.
“A lot of the elderly have family that put them into the housing that check in regularly. We do welfare checks all the time,” said Robert Pelletier, assistant chief of the Wethersfield EMS.
Cooling centers have been set up throughout town, and in communities all over the state. Still, it’s encouraged that residents check in on senior family members and neighbors.
“The best advice I can give is to drink, drink, drink water,” said Pelletier.
Kaelee Collins is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at kcollins@fox61.com. Follow her on X, and Instagram.
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