Many people in Cyprus save money by not turning on air conditioners or fans at home, as a result of which they are often exposed to heat stroke.

The Observatory of the third Age constantly receives reports and complaints, which talk about various problems that older people face due to high temperatures and the fact that they do not turn on the air conditioner because they will not be able to pay huge energy bills.

“Due to power failures, elderly low-income pensioners do not turn on fans and air conditioners because they are afraid that they will not be able to pay at the end of the month,” said Observatory President Dimos Antoniou.

One of these complaints received by the Observatory concerned a 75-year-old man who died of cardiac arrest, which, according to his relatives, was caused by the fact that he did not turn on the air conditioner on a hot day and received heat stroke. However, the doctors did not confirm this.

“This is a difficult situation. While we were solving problems in institutions, due to the visits of the Social Security Department, the situation in the houses is 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, due to humidity levels, etc., conditions become unfavorable,” Antoniu continued.

It is noted that cases of heat stroke in the elderly have become more frequent.

Meanwhile, the Observatory of the Third Age once again appeals to the Government and the Cyprus Electricity Authority to take measures to help the elderly.

“Since 2018, we have been sending letters to the EAC on this issue. 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 to pensioners and not only. The government knows who they are, who has problems. At the touch of a button, they can send entire lists to the EAC,” concluded Antonio.

A source: reporter.com.cy

https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/pozhilyie-lyudi-kipre-ekonomyat-elektrichestve