December 11, 2019
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NEW YORK STATE OFFICE FOR THE AGING OFFERS WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR OLDER NEW YORKERSCold Weather Conditions Can Profoundly Affect the Health and Safety of Older Adults |
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The New York State Office for the Aging reminds older New Yorkers and caregivers to take precautions in winter weather, as cold temperatures and heavy snow can create hazardous conditions for older adults. “Ice, snow, and cold temperatures can be a challenge for everyone, but can be particularly dangerous for older adults, who need to be aware of what they must do—or not do—to best protect their health,” said Acting Director Greg Olsen. “Many older adults also have less social contact during winter months, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. Neighbors and family members should regularly check on older individuals to make sure they are healthy and safe.” Some health and safety considerations for older New Yorkers during winter months include: Physical Activity/Falls Prevention/Isolation
Heat your Home Safely
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes. Eligible individuals may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having utility service shut off. The 2019-2020 regular HEAP benefit opened November 12, 2019, and the 2019-2020 emergency benefit will open January 2, 2020. For more information, please visit the HEAP website or call 1-800-342-3009. Generator Safety
Don't Be Left in the Dark - Weathering Floods, Storms and Power Outages, developed by the New York State Department of Health, is a guide for homeowners and others who want to prepare for power outages and other consequences of severe weather events. Additional cold weather tips are available on the New York State Department of Health website. About the New York State Office for the Aging and Health Across All Policies/Age-Friendly New York New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) continuously works to help New York State’s 4.3 million older adults be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them. New York is nationally recognized for being the first age-friendly state in the nation. Using the state’s Prevention Agenda as the overarching framework, in 2017, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched a Health Across All Policies approach, where public and private partners work together to positively impact population health by marrying health care, preventive health, and community-design, in concert with addressing social determinants of health, to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, young and old. Stay connected—download the NYSOFA mobile app for iOS or Android; visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter; or visit www.aging.ny.gov. |
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