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M. Spencer Green / AP
Chicago Housing Authority Asset Manager Sondrae Lewis, takes part in a well-being check on Bessie Rogers, 83, at her home in Apartamentos Las Americas on Friday.
Chicago on Friday suffered through a third straight day above 100 degrees — the first such string since 1947 — but that didn't stop seniors from their regular aerobics class at the city's Levy Senior Center. If anything, the heat was an incentive given the air-conditioned refuge.
"They're very happy to get inside," said Joyce Gallagher, executive director for the city agency that oversees 21 senior centers.
But she was also clear that the centers aren't shelters to come in for a nap. "It isn't a place where you come and sit to get some cool air," Gallagher emphasized. "It's a place where you come to participate and socialize — and coincidentally it's air-conditioned."
It's normally in the mid-80s this time of year in Chicago, but this week has been special: 103 degrees on Friday, and the humidity made it feel like 108. Thursday also saw 103, which is just 2 degrees shy of Chicago's all-time record, set in 1934. Wednesday topped out at 102.
The 95-year-old woman's death on Tuesday might have been heat related, officials said, but an autopsy was inconclusive, NBCChicago.com reported. Heat stress was determined to be a contributing factor in the deaths this week of two men, one 53 and the other 48, both of whom were obese and died of heart disease.
Related: Tips for seniors to avoid heat stress
Tens of thousands of Chicagoans also lost power during the weekend storms that impacted millions across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
At the National Weather Service's Chicago office, which itself lost power for a day, meteorologist Amy Seeley said the stretch above 100 should end Friday. Saturday will still be hot, but by Sunday temps should be back to the 80s.
TODAY contributor Lou Manfredini shares tips on staying cool and handling food without power.
The weather service has received plenty of calls from residents asking about records, she said, adding that no one there was around to compare the 1947 heat wave to this week's.
The Chicago office did post a comparison of past heat waves, noting that the deadliest is by far the July 1995 stretch that contributed to some 600 deaths.
Gallagher, for her part, isn't jealous of city summer school staff who got time off this week when classes were suspended due to the heat.
"It's a little different than schools," she said of the senior centers like Levy, where about 100 people did aerobics Friday while 30 were shooting pool and a few others played table tennis. "Working with individuals that are very energetic and life giving is something to look forward to."
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Leave a Comment:
I wonder how many people will get dusted this weekend in Chicago.
Congratulations to those seniors that are able to find a nice place to exercise and socialize!
My heart goes out to those that are hurt by these unusual weather patterns.
Things were just as bad in Europe this Summer, where most people have no access to AC!
Frederick Vincent Thomas Jr
Well, those in Europe are also in my heart and prayers. Take care.
It was stated..."it isn't a place where you come in and sit and get some cool air" What a horrible person to say something like that to the seniors who have no way to cool off. I hope you get treated the same way if you ever need help Joyce Gallagher. They are not moving in for the duration of the summer, just an hour or so to cool off.
"They're very happy to get inside," said Joyce Gallagher, executive director for the city agency that oversees 21 senior centers. But she was also clear that the centers aren't shelters to come in for a nap. "It isn't a place where you come and sit to get some cool air," Gallagher emphasized. "It's a place where you come to participate and socialize — and coincidentally it's air-conditioned."
Yes, definitely shame on this person that is executive director for the city agency that oversees 21 senior centers. This is just not right, moral or proper! More people could die because of a person like this!
They have to stay in shape to be able to run from the law.
All of us seniors need to be sensible in extreme weather and take advantage of what is available without placing too much strain on the environment. Here in inner-city Sydney we are lucky with a great air-conditioned gyms, community and shopping centres, libraries , move theatres etc. It makes sense to share air-conditioned centres rather than our own homes and a little thought prevents us from putting too much strain on the environment.
Also give a thought to other less fortunate people everywhere.
Consider shopping by Email and stay in. Fill your bath and take frequent cool dips. Staying well and healthy helps the health system and our economy so think things through and stay positive. All weather passes, good and bad.
What a misleading headline. The aerobics were done in air conditioning!