Nearly 4 million pensioners in the UK are set to face an extremely cold winter, with research revealing that a significant number of older people are struggling to maintain warmth in their homes. The study, conducted by SpeedComfort, shows that 36% of people over 65 expect to experience cold living conditions as temperatures drop.
The research highlights that pensioners are the age group most at risk of being too cold at home, with over a fifth (21%) saying they cannot get their homes warm, no matter what efforts they make. These figures reflect the alarming reality that, for many older people, the winter months present a serious challenge in terms of both comfort and health.
A staggering 34% of pensioners report concerns that their homes’ temperatures could negatively affect their health during the colder months. With temperatures forecast to plummet, many older individuals are already worried about the potential risks to their wellbeing. On average, British pensioners anticipate their indoor temperatures will fall to 13.9°C this winter, significantly lower than the World Health Organisation’s recommended minimum temperature of 20°C for older and vulnerable individuals.
Experts from Age UK warn that exposure to cold indoor temperatures increases the risk of respiratory infections, diseases, and can exacerbate existing conditions such as musculoskeletal problems. The colder months can also lead to mental and physical strain, especially for those with limited mobility or chronic health conditions.
The survey found that half (50%) of respondents aged over 65 reported feeling physical discomfort due to the cold, a rate 7% higher than the average for all UK adults. Nearly half (49%) also said that the cold made them feel down or depressed, further compounding the negative impact on their quality of life. In addition, 46% of older people reported a lack of motivation when exposed to cold temperatures, while 23% believed they were more likely to fall ill during winter if their home remained cold.
Wouter Heuterman, CEO of SpeedComfort, expressed concern about the growing number of vulnerable older people who will face the double challenge of falling temperatures and rising energy costs. He said, “It’s heartbreaking to discover just how many vulnerable older people in Britain will be feeling the effects of the cold this coming winter. The next few months will be particularly difficult for older households, who face significant health risks from living in uncomfortably cold conditions.”
With household energy bills continuing to climb, it is vital for older individuals to find alternative ways to stay warm without overburdening their finances. To support pensioners, SpeedComfort has published a guide offering practical advice for staying warm on a budget, helping older people to protect their health and wellbeing throughout the winter months.
As winter sets in, the cold presents a real threat to the nation’s older population, underlining the urgent need for solutions to help pensioners maintain a safe, warm environment at home.