Post by Banker on Dec 5, 2011 15:15:29 GMT 7
RISING prices will threaten pensioners' lives this summer as they switch off airconditioners and go without medicines to save money.
Council on the Ageing chief executive Ian Yates told The Advertiser many older people had long been faced with choosing between using airconditioners and heaters to maintain a comfortable home and paying their electricity bills.
This year that choice will be further complicated by a surge in power prices, which will rise even more in the peak usage period, between January and March.
The price spike has also forced some older people to cut back on the quantity and quality of food. Mr Yates said some pensioners were also delaying getting necessary medical prescriptions until after they had received their pension payment.
"We know people don't fill prescriptions when they should, and wait for pension day," he said.
"People don't use airconditioning or heating when they need to, and in summer there's even more concern because of potential damage to their health through dehydration or overheating. We know that with the electricity price going up quite dramatically over the past couple of years without (state government) concessions going up, it's obvious this behaviour will continue."
The average annual household electricity bill has soared by more than $500 in just three years.
An Essential Services Commission of South Australia report shows the average household bill has increased from $1165 to $1680.
SA Health chief medical officer Dr Paddy Phillips said older people were particularly vulnerable to the summer heat, especially when they suffered from chronic conditions such as heart or kidney disease.
He said if airconditioners or fans were not an option, you could seek respite from the heat by closing blinds and curtains during the day, placing wet towels on your neck and under arms or taking a cold shower or bath.
"You can also visit public places with airconditioning such as shopping malls, libraries, theatres and other community facilities," he said. Dr Phillips also urged people to check on frail and elderly neighbours, family and friends.
www.adelaidenow.com.au/lives-at-risk-as-elderly-scrimp-to-pay-bills/story-e6frea6u-1226213570394
Council on the Ageing chief executive Ian Yates told The Advertiser many older people had long been faced with choosing between using airconditioners and heaters to maintain a comfortable home and paying their electricity bills.
This year that choice will be further complicated by a surge in power prices, which will rise even more in the peak usage period, between January and March.
The price spike has also forced some older people to cut back on the quantity and quality of food. Mr Yates said some pensioners were also delaying getting necessary medical prescriptions until after they had received their pension payment.
"We know people don't fill prescriptions when they should, and wait for pension day," he said.
"People don't use airconditioning or heating when they need to, and in summer there's even more concern because of potential damage to their health through dehydration or overheating. We know that with the electricity price going up quite dramatically over the past couple of years without (state government) concessions going up, it's obvious this behaviour will continue."
The average annual household electricity bill has soared by more than $500 in just three years.
An Essential Services Commission of South Australia report shows the average household bill has increased from $1165 to $1680.
SA Health chief medical officer Dr Paddy Phillips said older people were particularly vulnerable to the summer heat, especially when they suffered from chronic conditions such as heart or kidney disease.
He said if airconditioners or fans were not an option, you could seek respite from the heat by closing blinds and curtains during the day, placing wet towels on your neck and under arms or taking a cold shower or bath.
"You can also visit public places with airconditioning such as shopping malls, libraries, theatres and other community facilities," he said. Dr Phillips also urged people to check on frail and elderly neighbours, family and friends.
www.adelaidenow.com.au/lives-at-risk-as-elderly-scrimp-to-pay-bills/story-e6frea6u-1226213570394