Illinois officials are reminding older adults to get ready for the approaching cold weather. The Illinois Department on Aging says it's a good time to have the furnace checked to make sure that it is in good shape.

The department advises older adults to set their thermostats above 65 degrees. Lowering the thermostat to reduce heating bills risk carries a risk for older adults, who are more susceptible to hypothermia - a potentially fatal condition in which the body temperature drops dangerously low.

Other tips: Stock up on non-perishable food supplies, and make arrangements to have medications delivered.

If you can, plan for someone else to shovel the snow.

The Department on Aging operates a Senior Help Line with more information at 1-800-252-8966.