Department on Aging offers tips to help seniors prepare for winter

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Department on Aging Director John K. Holton, Ph.D., reminds older adults and their families to get ready for the cold weather.

“Older adults, their families and caregivers, who assist, should make necessary arrangements to best deal with the cold and snowy weather. It’s important to be prepared,” Director Holton said.

People ages 50 and older are urged to get vaccinated against flu since they are considered at higher risk for influenza. The flu season runs through April and is predicted to be particularly strong this season.

Seniors should set their thermostats above 65 degrees. Older persons are more susceptible to the cold. People who lower the thermostat to reduce heating bills risk developing hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which the body temperature drops dangerously low.



For the complete article see the 12-27-2012 issue.

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