Elderly people are facing a tragic situation due to rising energy bills. Many people save money by not turning on air conditioners or fans at home, as a result of which they often suffer from heat stroke.
The Third Age Observatory constantly receives reports and complaints about various problems faced by older people due to high temperatures and the fact that they do not turn on the air conditioner because they will not be able to pay the huge electricity bills.
“Due to power failures, older low-income pensioners are not turning on fans and air conditioners because they are afraid they will not be able to pay at the end of the month,” said Observatory President Dimos Antoniou.One such complaint received by the Observatory concerned a 75-year-old man who died of cardiac arrest, which his family believed was caused by failing to turn on the air conditioning on a hot day and suffering heatstroke. However, doctors did not confirm this.
“This is a difficult situation. While we were solving problems in institutions, due to visits from the Social Security Administration, the situation in homes was tragic. There is a serious problem. Some municipalities have opened their doors and offer air-conditioned rooms, but this is only for a few hours, and when the elderly go home, the conditions become unfavorable due to humidity levels, etc.,” continued Antoniou.It is noted that cases of heat stroke in older people have become more frequent.
In the meantime, the Third Age Observatory once again appeals to the Government and the Cyprus Electricity Authority to take measures to assist older people.
“Since 2018, we have been sending letters to the EAC on this matter. I publicly urge them to hold a meeting of the EAC board of directors without air conditioning. We ask that they show a social face and provide generous discounts for pensioners and others. The government knows who they are, who has problems. With the click of a button, they can submit entire lists to the EAC,” concluded Antonio.Source: reporter.com.cy
