Spread the Warmth is an Age UK campaign to stop older people suffering and dying needlessly in winter.
The facts
26,000 winter deaths every year...
Every year, more than 26,000 people die needlessly during winter because of the cold weather.
... 9 in 10 of which are older people
Older people are more vulnerable to effects of cold weather - out of the 26,000 winter deaths every year, 9 in 10 are older people.
Over a third of people in the UK aged 65+ say they are dreading the cold weather in winter
Why is cold weather an issue for older people?
As we get older, our bodies respond differently to the cold – increasing the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke, or pneumonia
Cold weather also makes it more difficult for people to get around – which can lead to depression, loneliness, and isolation. Over 500,000 older people spend Christmas Day alone
Cold weather adds to the financial worries of older people - 36% of people aged 60 or over in Great Britain stay or live in just one heated room of their home to save money. 30% say they avoid heating rooms like the bedroom, bathroom or living room because they are worried about the cost
Spreading the warmth
During Spread the Warmth, Age UK and the majority of our network of local partners will:
- Distribute essential items like clothes, heaters and electric blankets – to keep people warm
- Provide benefit checks to ease financial worries
- Offer snow clearance services, shopping support and befriending visits – so those with mobility issues can get what they need
- Run Christmas parties, theatre trips, and Christmas shopping trips - to help fight isolation
- Distribute information guides, including tips on how to stay warm in your home.
- Distribute thermometers – so older people know when to turn on their heating.
- Put pressure on MPs and local councils to make cold-related winter deaths a public health priority
Help us
Your donations are a crucial part of this support – it is through your generosity that Age UKs and local partners are able to provide these services.
