New report from Age UK reveals the enormous challenges millions of older people face this winter.

Over 10 million people are worried about being able to afford to heat their homes.  

Nearly 5 million people are worried they would not be able to eat enough this winter.

Age UK launches new ‘Spread the Warmth’ campaign calling for everyone’s support to help older people get through the colder months.

“This winter will be enormously challenging. [My Mum] worries she won’t be able to put her central heating on and will have to sit in the cold and won’t be able to have regular hot meals due to the ever-increasing price for gas. Pensioners should never be put in the situation of [not] heating their home or having a meal - it is a totally unacceptable way to live for anyone, let alone pensioners.”

A new report ‘We have to take it one day at a time’, launched today by Age UK as part of their new campaign ‘Spread the Warmth’, shows the enormous challenges faced by many millions of people aged 50 and over this winter.

Over the past three years Age UK has conducted six waves of research into older people’s health and care. Initially, this was focused on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, where we heard about how much older people were struggling with accessing healthcare, managing their own physical and mental health, taking part in community life and caring for others.

The pandemic had a huge impact on both physical and mental health. However, although this health emergency is now behind us, it was rapidly followed by a protracted cost of living crisis, one that continues to this day, putting many older people in a really difficult situation. And meanwhile of course, COVID-19, flu and other bugs are circulating, and the NHS and social care are struggling to match soaring demand.

Every winter is challenging for older people. However, this year promises to be another particularly tough one, because steep energy and food prices are additional threats for those on low and modest incomes, on top of the added health risks due to cold weather and the depressing effects of dark days and unpleasant weather. 

Age UK’s latest report shows the extent to which these challenges are having serious impacts on older people and their wellbeing [i]: 

Cost of living

• Nine in ten (91%) over-50s, equivalent to 23.4 million people overall, said they were worried about the cost-of-living increases to some extent. People aged 50-59, those who were more disadvantaged, from minoritised ethnic groups, living with long term health conditions and unpaid carers were most likely to report being severely affected.
• Three in four (75%) over-50s, equivalent to 19.3m people overall, said they have been turning down their heating and/or reducing the hours they use their heating.

Health

• Two in five (40%) over-50s, equivalent to 10.3 million people overall, said they were worried they wouldn’t be able to heat their home enough this winter.
• Nearly one in five (19%) over-50s, equivalent to 4.9 million people overall, said they were worried they would not be able to eat enough this winter.
• More than one in five (22%) of people aged 50-59 are worried about being able to afford their prescriptions.
• More than one in ten (13%) over 50s, equivalent to 3.3 million people overall, said they were worried about being able to afford care and support.
• Almost a third (31%) of over 50s, equivalent to 8 million overall, said their health had got worse in the last 12 months, with three in five (59%) saying an existing health condition had got worse.

Unpaid Carers

• One in six (15%) of over-50s were caring for someone else: more than a third of these unpaid carers (34%) were expecting the amount of care or support they provide to increase, while one in five (20%) were worried about whether they would be able to continue providing care or support.

Winter

• More than two in five (44%) over-50s, equivalent to 11.3 million people overall, said they were concerned or very concerned about this winter. Women (50%), those aged 50-59 (51%), from more disadvantaged groups (51%), from minoritised ethnic groups (53%), living with long term health conditions (57%), and unpaid carers (51%) were all more concerned than their counterparts.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “The way some policy makers talk, you’d think the cost-of-living crisis was over, but our new research shows just how out of touch they are. The rate of inflation may have slowed down but prices for most everyday items are still very high and continuing to rise, putting many older members of our society in a really difficult position. Whether it’s pensioners struggling to pay their bills on their fixed low incomes, or people in their fifties in poorly paid jobs, or out of the labour market altogether due to ill health, caring responsibilities or unemployment, anxiety about making ends meet and getting through this winter is incredibly widespread.

“For older people who are retired and especially those living on their own, loneliness and social isolation are often year-round problems, but winter can be particularly difficult as darker days and inclement weather make it harder to keep up social connections, with knock-ons for their mental health. Winter increases the physical health risks for older people too, due to slips and falls on icy pavements and because getting cold in an under-heated home raises blood pressure and thereby exacerbates lung and heart problems as well.

“Our polling shows that millions of older people are so worried about the impact of high energy prices this winter that they are rationing their heating use, to ensure they can afford their bills. Yet staying adequately warm is crucial for their health and it’s extraordinary, and really rather shameful, that for the third winter running there are so many older people at risk of being chronically cold. We must not allow this to become the ‘new normal’ – in the longer term we need a social tariff for energy to provide vulnerable groups with permanently discounted bills, but in the short term, this winter, the priority has to be helping older people just to get through. That means not only getting them the financial help they need through helping them claim all the benefits they are due, but also providing friendship and support – which is what we at Age UK aim to do.”

Some of the participants who replied to an additional Age UK annual Health & Care survey of older people[ii] told us the following:

“Very, very worried about the winter months. I'll be spending more time in bed rather than putting the heating on this year. Lots of extra jumpers. The cold air won't do my asthma much good either!

“I cannot leave [my partner] for extended periods and I do not exercise as much as I used to. I have less contact with my personal friends. I accept all of this but I have little personal freedom.  My greatest worry is that I might become ill or die before [her] in which case I would not be able to look after her”.

“Arthritis has worsened, can hardly walk. Much more sedentary because of this and feel other issues (blood pressure and diabetes are worsening). Mental health also affected”.

“I have found it impossible to get a GP appointment. I ring at 8am all appointments gone. I go online at 8pm. All appointments gone. They still refuse to book appointments for a future date. The surgery has a big sign by the door which says “Do not enter this building unless you have an appointment”.

“I don’t use the electricity or gas any more than I absolutely need to, which means I often go cold and go to bed early to keep warm. I don’t eat as well as I should to save on grocery bills. I am always worried about unexpected or higher bills than normal”.

People can also access a range of advice on staying warm and well from Age UK’s winter advice hub at www.ageuk.org.uk/winter. The hub includes tips on staying well, managing money, coping in cold weather, vaccinations and health services, as well as how to support others in your community. 

Age UK’s free Winter wrapped up guide has lots of useful information to help people stay well through winter, from what support is available, to keeping homes warm and how to look after your health. Download it from www.ageuk.org.uk/winter or call the Age UK Advice Line to request a copy.

If you are concerned about an older friend or relative, or you are an older person who is worried about paying for food or energy bills, please get in touch with Age UK because help may well be available. Please call us on 0800 169 65 65, visit the Cost of Living hub on Age UK’s website, or follow this link: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/cost-of-living/

The Spread the Warmth Campaign aims to raise awareness of the challenges of the challenges older people are facing and is calling on the public’s help so the charity can continue to support the older people who are vulnerable and struggling this winter.

Keeping warm this winter is just one of the vitally important ways for vulnerable older people particularly those already managing health conditions to stay healthier. Prolonged exposure to the cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.  

Many people can find their mood is lower during winter too, especially after the Christmas festivity period. Common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression may feel harder to manage in winter and loneliness and social isolation can feel more difficult as weather conditions, and shorter days can make it harder to keep up social connections.

With the cost of living making it harder for people to socialise and those who are providing unpaid care and managing health conditions without appropriate support, significant numbers of older people are looking ahead to this winter and beyond with concern, or even trepidation.

Donating to Spread the Warmth hopes to help raise much-needed funds for the Charity’s national services, including its free national Advice Line, Telephone Friendship Service and The Silver Line Helpline, as well as local Age UKs across the country which offer a range of services such as day centres, benefits advice and social classes.

Age UK supports older people throughout the winter and all year round with a range of national and local services. There are many ways people can get involved and help to Spread the Warmth:

• Donate to Age UK

Donating to Age UK will help keep essential national services, such as the Charity’s free and confidential Advice Line, Telephone Friendship Service and The Silver Line Helpline, running. People can also donate to their local Age UK to help support their vital services in the community. To donate what you can and find your nearest Age UK visit: www.ageuk.org.uk

• Donate A Coat

Age UK is urging everyone to donate their unworn and unwanted winter coats and warm clothes to the Charity’s shops, which can be found across the country. Winter clothing donated will be sold on to be loved again, helping to raise much-needed funds for Age UK’s work supporting older people this winter and beyond. To find out more and find your nearest shop visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/shops

• Check in on the older people in your life

Check in regularly with your older relatives, friends and neighbours to see how they’re feeling, and find out if there’s anything they need this winter. Invite them round for a coffee or lunch. If you’re unable to visit in person there’s still plenty you can do to show you care – a phone or video call, making homemade cards, letters or even small gifts. 

• Lend a hand: if you’re able to offer simple, immediate assistance to older people nearby, such as offering to pick up shopping or run errands.  
• Give out these useful numbers: for practical information and advice, Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65. For a cheerful chat, day or night, The Silver Line Helpline: 0800 4 70 80 90.
• Share Age UK’s Winter wrapped up guide: Age UK’s free Winter wrapped up guide has lots of useful information to help people stay well through winter and can be accessed by visiting www.ageuk.org.uk/warmth or calling the Age UK Advice Line.

People can also access a range of advice on staying warm and well from Age UK’s winter advice hub at www.ageuk.org.uk/winter. The hub includes Age UK’s free Winter wrapped up guide, what support is available, keeping homes warm and how to look after your health. It also provides information on managing money, coping in cold weather, vaccinations and health services, as well as how to support others in your community. 

If you are concerned about an older friend or relative, or you are an older person who is worried about paying for food or energy bills, please get in touch with Age UK because help may well be available. Please call us on 0800 169 65 65, visit the Cost of Living hub on Age UK’s website, or follow this link: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/cost-of-living/

Age UK’s network of 125 local charities, which reach most of England and also includes Age Cymru, Age NI and Age Scotland, offer a range of support services and social activities as well as necessities to help older people this winter including winter wellbeing packs, food parcels, and hot meals. To find out what’s on in your area visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/

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Notes to Editors
Age UK is a national charity that works with a network of partners, including Age Scotland, Age Cymru, Age NI and local Age UKs across England, to help everyone make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances.

In the UK, the Charity helps more than seven million older people each year by providing advice and support.  It also researches and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring that older people: have enough money; enjoy life and feel well; receive high quality health and care; are comfortable, safe and secure at home; and feel valued and able to participate.

Age UK’s subsidiary charity, Age International, supports older people globally in over 30 developing countries by funding programmes such as vital emergency relief and healthcare and campaigning to raise awareness and change policies.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and registered company number 6825798). Charitable services are provided through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company (CiC) (registered company number 1102972) which donates its net profits to Age UK (the Charity)

[i] Spread the Warmth

Additional reference: Age UK Polling: Kantar Research Express conducted an online self completion survey between 7^th September 2023 and 21^st September 2023 amongst 2,621 adults in the UK aged 50+.

[ii] Age UK SurveyMonkey online survey conducted between 7^th September 2023 and 26^th September 2023, which received 128,458 free text responses from over 17,000 respondents aged 50 and over.