"[Many] seniors do face isolation anyway, but when it's particularly cold and there's more fear of going out or other people coming in, that just unfortunately increases rates of isolation," said Rochelle McAlister, who oversees the helpline run by WoodGreen Community Services. McAlister said the helpline received 128 calls on Monday and Tuesday alone about 50 per cent more than average right after a snowstorm walloped southern Ontario."
"Some have lost their heating because they are living in poverty and fell behind on their hydro bills, McAlister said. "Others have landlords who aren't fixing their heat for them," she said, while some had maintenance workers who couldn't get to their buildings after the storm. Many sidewalks and streets in the city are still covered in snow and ice and not accessible for people with mobility issues,"
Calls to the Toronto Seniors Helpline spiked after a major snowstorm, reaching 128 calls in two days—about 50 percent above average. Callers report loneliness and immediate, sometimes life-threatening problems such as lack of heat. Heating loss stems from poverty and overdue hydro bills, landlords failing to repair heat, and maintenance workers unable to reach buildings. Snow- and ice-covered sidewalks and streets remain inaccessible for people with mobility issues, preventing seniors from getting groceries and attending medical appointments. Physiological aging and chronic conditions like thyroid disease or diabetes increase seniors' vulnerability to cold.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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