A vital program providing free air conditioners to New Yorkers will cease accepting applications amidst a dangerous heat wave, posing risks, especially to older adults. Advocates highlight that many homebound seniors have limited options, as new aid programs only cater to younger individuals with specific health conditions. In New York City, over 500 fatalities annually are linked to extreme heat, primarily affecting the elderly, who often struggle to afford air conditioning. The current support measures are falling short, leaving many vulnerable individuals at risk during critical weather conditions.
A program that provides free air conditioners to New Yorkers across the state will stop taking applications at 5 p.m. Monday - just as the city is enduring its first extreme heat wave of the summer, with life-threatening temperatures around 100 degrees forecast for days.
Living without an air conditioner is a particular hazard for homebound older adults, said Allison Nickerson, executive director of LiveOn NY, a non-profit that advocates for and provides assistance programs for seniors.
So it really leaves people with very little options, Nickerson said. The city does offer cooling centers, which is phenomenal, but for people who cannot leave their homes, it is a serious concern.
More than 500 New Yorkers die prematurely because of hot weather in New York City every year, with lack of access to air conditioning being the leading risk factor, and the highest rates occurring in people ages 60 and older.
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