Citymeals Encourages New Yorkers to Check In on Their Frail Aged Neighbors on Hot Summer Days

(Monday, July 2, 2018 – New York, NY) – The heat is on in New York City this week. While many New Yorkers find refuge from the oppressive heat and humidity at the beach, in movie theaters, or even at the office, our most vulnerable neighbors – the homebound elderly – often have no escape. During the summer months, many of the city's frail aged residents struggle to cope on the hottest of days. With age, it becomes more difficult for the body to regulate temperature, and the elderly can be at increased risk for heat-related illnesses during periods of extreme heat and humidity.

Beth Shapiro, Executive Director of Citymeals on Wheels, encourages New Yorkers to check in on their frail aged neighbors throughout the season. Classic symptoms of dehydration to look for include:

• Dry, flushed skin
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sleepiness
• Weakness
• Thirst
• The onset of confusion

Should any of these symptoms occur, call "911" for help immediately. Remind your elderly neighbors to drink plenty of water and to wear light, loose fitting clothing, stay indoors, limit physical activity, and use air conditioning or a fan if possible. 

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ABOUT CITYMEALS ON WHEELS:

Citymeals on Wheels (citymeals.org) provides a continuous lifeline of nourishing meals and vital companionship to New York City’s homebound elderly. Working in partnership with community-based organizations and senior centers, Citymeals prepares and delivers over 2 million weekend, holiday and emergency meals for more than 18,000 of our frail aged neighbors each year. Last year, over 21,000 individuals volunteered nearly 68,000 hours of their time.

Since its founding in 1981, Citymeals has relied on the generosity of its Board of Directors, the City of New York, sponsors and other designated gifts to cover administrative costs. This ensures that 100% of all public donations will be used entirely for the preparation and delivery of meals.