Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging Back to Previous Spotlight On Avoiding the Winter Chill Winter weather brings on cold air and conditions that are risky for older adults. Homes or apartments that are not heated enough, can lead to illness. The winter chill can lower the temperature inside your body. That can be deadly if not treated quickly. This drop in body temperature, often caused by staying in a cool place for too long is called hypothermia (hi-po-ther-mee-uh). Set your thermostat for at least 68° F to 70° F. If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend. This is a special problem if you live alone because there is no one else to comment on the chilliness of the house or to notice if you are having symptoms of hypothermia. For more information about hypothermia visit: National Institute on Aging En Espanol, National Institute on Aging Energy Assistance For help with energy assistance contact the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project. NEAR is a free service for persons who want information on where to apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) help. By email, contact NEAR at energyassistance@ncat.org (please include your city, county and state along with your e-mail message) By phone, use NEAR's toll-free phone number 1-866-674-6327 (or 1-866-NRG-NEAR). Online information about energy assistance is also available at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs Source: Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Hazard, Age Page, National Institutes on Aging. Back to Previous