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Back to Podcast Episodes![高温天，为什么老人不开空调？ - Hot Weather: Why Don't Elderly People Use Air Conditioning? [HSK 4]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/klgeulaz3hspml4nz5pjhwtxdnmb?.jpg)
高温天，为什么老人不开空调？ - Hot Weather: Why Don't Elderly People Use Air Conditioning? [HSK 4]
The health risks and mindset conflicts when elderly people refuse to use air conditioning in hot weather.
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《English Translation》
优子: Teacher Liu, the news recently said that many elderly people don’t turn on the air conditioner in the summer even when it’s very hot, saying they can ‘tough it out.’ What do you think?
刘娜: Yes, this is actually a common mindset among the older generation in China — they believe saving electricity is a virtue. But not using AC in extreme heat is really dangerous. Not long ago, an elderly person in Nanjing died of heatstroke, even though there was an air conditioner at home, but they didn’t want to use it.
优子: I saw in reports that many elderly people are afraid of wasting money, and some don’t want to bother their children to help turn it on. But doctors say that older people are more prone to heatstroke, and the danger is greater than we imagine.
刘娜: Right, the elderly have reduced body temperature regulation and slower perception of heat. They might not feel hot, but their body temperature is already high. Did you know? Last year, more than 10,000 people nationwide died from heat, and 70% were elderly.
优子: Actually, Japan has the same problem. Many Japanese elderly also avoid using AC for reasons of frugality or belief, and every year there are reports of hospitalization or death due to heatstroke.
刘娜: Exactly. Traditional Chinese medicine also says ‘live in harmony with the seasons.’ Families should care more for the elderly — it’s not enough just to buy an air conditioner, they must remind and help them use it. Health is more important than saving money.
优子: Hearing you say this makes me want to check on my mom more. We really can’t let ‘being frugal’ turn into ‘too late.’
Published on 12 hours ago