Age UK warns of crisis as millions of older people braced for a lonely, tough winter

With the colder months fast approaching, Age UK is warning that older people are facing a Crisis hiding in plain sight. As the Charity launches its urgent winter appeal, new research reveals some of the worries older people face as they get set to grapple with the cold weather, rising bills and isolation this winter.

Winter is the toughest time of the year for millions of older people who are struggling with health conditions, poverty and living on their own. Age UK found that a quarter of over 65s (3.5 million) are concerned about the coming winter, yet worryingly 1.2 million say they have no one to turn to. 

Falling temperatures can seriously affect older people as their bodies find it harder to regulate their body temperature, especially if they are already coping with ill health or living in housing that costs a lot to heat. It’s not simply just a case of feeling the cold more - latest figures show that at 0°C older people have a quarter (27%) higher risk of dying than at 18°C.

However, almost half of over 65s (46%) are worried about very cold weather this season and 4.5 million older people are worried they won’t be able to heat their home enough this winter.

The continuing rise in the cost of daily essentials has also left older people worried about the impact winter will have on their finances, with 2.1 million older people saying they are worried about getting into debt this winter.

More than one in ten UK pensioners had no income other than from the State Pension and state benefits in 2023/24. With such significant numbers of pensioners reliant on such benefits or depending on only the State Pension, many are struggling financially with little leftover for the additional costs the cold weather can bring. 2.5 million older people are worried about being able to afford repairs to their home this winter.

Age UK’s new advert exposes the challenges facing older people and shows just how brutal they can feel. It calls on the public to help those in crisis this winter. Throughout the colder months, the Charity’s campaign, Crisis hiding in plain sight, will raise awareness of the many issues older people face which are going unseen, and highlight the ways Age UK can help.

Age UK provides expert support and friendship to older people with a range of national and local services, which are often described as a lifeline in the colder months and all year round. These include the Charity’s free and confidential Advice Line, which is open every day of the year, The Silver Line Helpline, a 24-hour service for older people who need someone to talk to, and the Telephone Friendship Service which gives older people the chance to enjoy weekly chats with a new friend.  

Carole, in her late 80s, lives alone near Bournemouth: “I’m dependent on my wheelchair, so I spend most of my days at home, especially during the winter. This year, I’ll get the Winter Fuel Payment, thank goodness, and that will mean I can keep the heating on a little longer. Without it, I’d be in real trouble because the cost of everything else just goes up and up. It still concerns me what will happen if I leave the heating on for too long, and my next energy bill is more than I can afford. My family all live overseas, so I don’t have many people close by I can rely on. Thankfully, my carers come in each day, but they also cost me money. Balancing my pension with my outgoings is a constant worry.”

Dame Helen Mirren, Age UK Ambassador who is backing the campaign, said: “Older people are facing a growing crisis - one that’s often hidden in plain sight. Winter brings cold, illness, loneliness and long, dark evenings, and far too many are left on their own, feeling isolated and vulnerable. Growing older shouldn’t be something we fear, yet for many, that’s the reality.

"Age UK recognises this problem and is doing everything it can to help, which is why I’m proud to support them. Through their vital services, they connect people, offer comfort, and provide practical support. We need to shine a light on the crisis too many overlook, and work to change the way we age - so that every older person can live with dignity, warmth and companionship. Please, join me and support Age UK today.”

Paul Farmer, CEO at Age UK, said: “At Age UK we know that the winter can be one of the toughest times of the year for older people, with many worried about what the cold weather will mean for them. Every day I see and we hear about older people struggling to get help for their health, concern for their finances, which leads to more disconnection, loneliness and isolation.

“This is the crisis which is hiding in plain sight. In streets and communities across the country. It’s corrosive, it’s damaging and it’s ruining lives. That’s why Age UK have launched this new campaign, to shine a light on the struggles older people face and the different ways the Charity can support those in crisis this winter. To support us visit www.ageuk.org.uk/appeal .”

Winter can be challenging, but for older people, it can feel even harder. That’s why Age UK has launched a new appeal, to shine a light on the Crisis hiding in plain sight and keep services like the Charity’s free and confidential Advice Line and Telephone Friendship Service running. To donate and to find out more visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/appeal.

As well as encouraging support and donations Age UK has also issued a range of tips and advice for older people, their families, friends and carers, who may need support this winter.