With record-breaking temperatures hovering due to the El Nino phenomenon, concerns are rising about the safety of the ageing population during heat events.

Isobel Mackenzie, a member of B.C Seniors Advocate group, told CTV’s Your Morning on Thursday it’s important to check on seniors during high temperature events and recognize signs of heat strokes.

“Like if somebody is not normally confused and they become confused, if they’re lethargic, certainly if they’re vomiting or exhibiting other signs and symptoms like that you need to actually get them to the hospital as quickly as possible,” she said.

Accessing cooling centers is another alternative, however, Mackenzie said this comes with some challenges for seniors.

First, there’s a lack of knowledge about these centers’ locations and hours since most seniors are not on social media, explained Mackenzie. Accessibility and transportation also play a key role.

“I think we need to remember that for many of us the ability to go down to the cooling centers, go to the mall, go to the swimming pool, it’s all fairly accessible for us, but for older people, the mobility ability to get there is difficult,” she said.

Mackenzie said heat waves become more deadly when temperatures rise inside the house. For vulnerable people this could mean two things, they need to find somewhere to potentially stay while the peak of the heat recedes, or invest in a cooling system such as an air conditioner or heat pump.

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