[LittleGopher]

Maybe a better use for the fridge-freezer is to make (or keep) ice cubes. If the cubes could be heaped into a bowl, place the bowl in front of the fan, and sit in front of the fan and bowl. I've been told that very early a/c on vehicles worked this way - huge ice blocks were placed on a rack on the front of the vehicle, and when the car moved, the air was cooled as it blew across the ice. As people traveled in the midwest and west, they'd make stops to replenish the ice blocks. Nothing like we have it now - of course, the roads were only two narrow tire tracks snacking across to the horizon back then.

I haven't actually had to resort to trying ice in front of a fan, so I don't know if it would help all that much. And I imagine it definitely wouldn't do much with a high dewpoint (humidity) as well as high temperature. The ice cubes could be used to make ice water, and staying hydrated is extremely important for the elderly (and everyone else!)

It is such a sad/bad situation. Too bad small a/c units aren't as cheap to distribute as box fans. I guess helping the elderly who we know might be vulnerable, as well as donating to agencies that offer help is a small way to help.