| Releases & Statements
Insufficient and non-functioning air conditioning create hazardous conditions for city's seniors
According to a report released today by Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, as many as one-third of the City's senior centers do not have sufficient air conditioning. Of the 60 senior centers surveyed 10 centers had non-functioning air conditioners, seven centers had inadequate air conditioners, and one center had no air conditioners.
The sweltering heat and humidity characteristic of New York City summers forces many people who cannot afford air conditioning to seek relief at local centers in order to avoid heat-related illnesses that could ultimately lead to death. In 1999, 38 New Yorkers died from heat exposure; more than two-thirds were over the age of 55.
"These senior centers must warm up to the idea they need to repair broken air conditioners or purchase new ones - and fast," said Gotbaum. "On hot days like today, these centers can heat up quickly. For those who seek refuge at these centers, the hot temperatures inside can be worse then the heat outdoors."
In response to complaints from seniors, the Public Advocate's Office studied the quality and availability of air conditioning at 60 senior centers throughout the five boroughs. Manhattan senior centers have the most problems, with five out of 12 centers experiencing problems with air conditioning and one center with no air conditioners.
In Queens, four of 12 senior centers surveyed had non-functioning air conditioners. There were also non-functioning air conditioners in three of 12 centers surveyed in both the Bronx and Staten Island. Brooklyn senior centers surveyed had the lowest incidence of problematic air conditioners. Only two of 12 centers had non-functioning units.
Centers did not have adequate air conditioning because of a lack of funding, poor maintenance, and the relocation of some centers.
Gotbaum recommends:
Government agency that run senior centers, including the Department for the Aging or the New York City Housing Authority, provide consistent funding to support air conditioning
senior center rental contracts include air conditioner maintenance and repair provisions
landlords be made to comply with their contractual obligation to maintain and repair air conditioners
senior centers relocate only to spaces with adequate air conditioners
Heat-related illnesses are much too serious to ignore, especially when the remedy is as simple as repairing or purchasing air conditioners," said Gotbaum. "Why should anyone, especially seniors, who are more susceptible to heat-related illness, endure the disabling heat?"
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