Call to Protect Elderly as Temperatures Soar to 35°C

As the mercury is forecasted to climb up to 35°C over the upcoming weekend, authorities are urging the public to pay extra attention to the welfare of the elderly population.

The Hong Kong Observatory recorded a high of 34.4°C at their Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters yesterday, the hottest temperature so far this year. Acting Assistant Director Cheng Yuen-chung noted that the Observatory has recorded 9 consecutive days this month with temperatures reaching 33°C or above - a phenomenon last seen in 2016.

"Last year, we had 54 days of very hot weather, with 4 days reaching 35°C or higher," said Cheng. "Due to the impacts of global warming, extreme heat events are becoming more common, and we expect temperatures around 34°C in the coming days."

The extreme heat has taken a toll on the elderly. The Senior Citizen Home Safety Association reported over 1,800 seniors activating their safety alarms in the past week, seeking assistance for issues like nausea and dizziness. Hospitalization cases also increased by 20% as of Wednesday.

"Typically, we receive 1,560 assistance requests per day, but this has risen by 15% in the past week," said CEO Maura Wong Hung-hung. "The weather has made elderly people more irritable and stressed, worried about electricity bills. We strongly encourage them to cool down by visiting indoor public spaces if needed."

Wong appealed for family members and neighbors to reach out and support the elderly, especially those living alone. She urged seniors to use their safety alarms if assistance is required, and to adjust their routines - going out earlier, wearing breathable clothing, and keeping living spaces well-ventilated.

Here is the article translated to Chinese:

高温来袭，呼吁关注长者福祉

随着预报气温将在即将到来的周末攀升至35摄氏度,当局呼吁公众加倍关注长者的福祉。

香港天文台在昨日下午2时于尖沙咀总部录得气温达34.4摄氏度,为今年迄今最高温度。天文台署理助理台长郑元忠指出,本月已录得9天气温达到33摄氏度或以上,这最后一次出现是在2016年。

郑元忠表示："去年我们录得54天非常炎热天气,其中4天更达到35摄氏度或以上。鉴于全球气候变化的影响,极端高温天气正变得更加普遍,我们预期未来几天气温将会维持在34摄氏度左右。"

极端高温令长者人群深受影响。长者服务联会报告,过去一周有超过1,800名长者按下安全警铃求助,原因包括恶心或眩晕等症状。该会亦注意到,截至上周三,住院个案增加约20%。

该会总裁黄凤凤表示："我们通常每天接获1,560宗求助个案,但过去一周增加了15%。高温令长者变得更加烦躁和有压力,他们担心电费开支。我们强烈建议他们可到室内公共场所暂避高温。"

黄凤凤呼吁家人和邻里主动关心独居长者,并鼓励长者在需要时按下安全警铃求助,同时调整生活作息,例如提早外出、穿透气衣物,以及保持居所通风良好。