READING, Pa. — It’s going to be another hot week in Berks County. That’s why county officials are reminding everyone that senior centers are open.
For Waleska Gonzalez, staying cool has become a daily challenge.
“Oh my God, this heat coming, I’m gonna suffocate because I don’t even got air conditioner in there,” Gonzalez said.
She’s one of many older adult’s county officials say they hope will take advantage of Berks County’s senior centers this week as temperatures are expected to climb into the triple digits.
“When the heat rises, we’re particularly concerned about seniors. One of the big things that we can do is open our senior centers across Berks County as places seniors can come during the hottest part of the day… relax in the air conditioning, have something cool to drink and enjoy a meal,” said Katie Catchmark, deputy director of the Berks County Area Agency on Aging.
The centers are open year-round. But this week, they’re serving another purpose.
“We do offer all these programs and resources all year long, but we encourage it more now during the summer due to the extreme heat because, you know, we even give them ice cream sometimes and just try to keep it cool for them,” said Ivette Malave Soto, center manager.
Officials say older adults are especially at risk during extreme heat.
“Oftentimes, seniors aren’t drinking a lot of fluids. Many times, they’re not out where other people may be observing them and can observe signs of heat stroke or fatigue… and also medications can make you predisposed to being more intolerant to the heat,” Catchmark said.
And for Gonzalez, whether she’s cooling off inside or catching up with friends outside, it’s a welcome break from the heat.
Officials say if you know an older adult, now is a good time to check in and make sure they’re staying cool and hydrated.