Senior centers across Pennsylvania remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as was confirmed by a representative from the Office of Human Services Area on Aging Monday afternoon.
Carol Steck, executive director of the Greater Bradford Senior Activity Center, noted they are still offering take-out lunches to members. According to Steck, though they haven’t heard anything from their main office about reopening, members may call the center a day ahead to pick up a premade lunch on the following day.
“Most are still a little leery on coming out, so if they have someone to pick it up for them, they can do it that way,” she said.
During the hotter months, many seniors take refuge from the temperatures in the air conditioned senior centers. It isn’t possible this summer.
With the recent high temperatures and a lot of older people still hunkering down to avoid getting sick, it’s important to make sure they are staying cool and hydrated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes on their website that “people aged 65 years or older are more prone to heat-related health problems. This is because older adults do not adjust as well as younger people to sudden changes in temperature, they are more likely to have a health condition that changes normal body responses to heat and they are more likely to be taking medications that can affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.”
To avoid heat related illness, the CDC recommends older adults stay in air conditioned buildings as much as possible and not rely solely on a fan as the main cooling source if it’s really hot outside. If the home doesn’t have air conditioning, they suggest contacting the local health department or to locate an air-conditioned shelter in the area.
In addition, it’s suggested individuals drink more water than usual and not to wait until they are thirsty to drink. If the doctor has limited fluid intake or an individual is on water pills, they should ask the doctor how much water they should drink during hot weather.
Other suggestions are to avoid using the stove or oven to cook, as it will make the house hotter, wear loose, lightweight, light colored clothing, take cool showers or baths to cool down, not engage in strenuous activities and get plenty of rest. Also, check the news for health and safety updates.
The CDC also recommends using the buddy system — to check on a friend or neighbor and have them do the same for you.
For more information on preventing heat related illnesses, visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html.
If you or someone you know has symptoms of a heat related illness, such as muscle cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, seek medical care immediately.
