Cold Weather Could Spell Bad News for Older Residents i...( AARP Encourages Friends Family Neighb...),Health

AARP Encourages Friends, Family, Neighbors to Help Older Neighbors & Launches New Initiative to Help Keep Heating Costs Down

CHICAGO, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/--With cold weather hitting Illinois, AARP is reminding friends, family and neighbors to watch out for the well-being of older residents, making sure they're safe and warm during the winter months. In the face of soaring heating costs, AARP is also encouraging people to join a new initiative aimed at helping residents conserve energy and reduce costs, while still keeping their homes safe and warm for the season.

"Cold weather is a fact of life in Illinois, but it can put many older adults at risk," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. "Family, friends and neighbors can make a difference by helping older residents to stay warm and safe during winter."

People can take a number of steps to help make sure older residents are protected from the harsh Illinois winter. Among other things, they should make sure older residents are:

• Warm and safe indoors and outdoors: Make sure older residents wear warm clothing in several layers. When indoors, stay in a heated room; avoid fire hazards by having proper ventilation when using fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters. Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed.
• In good health: Make sure older adults continue their exercise regimens, but avoid overly strenuous physical activity; and maintain a healthy diet with plenty of liquids. Caregivers should make sure older adults get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia.
• Able to go out safely when needed: Walkways and driveways should be free from snow and ice.
• Prepared for emergencies: Keep a phone with emergency numbers already pre-entered; and make sure older persons have a pe
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