When targeting elderly clientele, Extension can't assume that what has worked for other groups will work for the elderly. Our study of elderly homeowners in Oklahoma examined the energy information needs of the elderly. The results suggest that Extension will need to network with energy-related businesses to provide needed information. They often live in large, older homes built when energy was cheap and plentiful.
Some research suggests that older persons are more sensitive to temperature extremes.
Also, those on low, fixed incomes have additional burdens coping with energy costs. These include plans for increasing overall financial aid, tax breaks for structural modifications, protection against utility service cutoffs, and direct payments for utility bills. However, these efforts may be costly to taxpayers. Education is often overlooked as an inexpensive way to reduce the energy burden on the elderly. Personal letters followed by telephone calls resulted in 30 individuals agreeing to participate in the project.