Half of UK adults aged 50 and above struggled to afford heating over the last winter, according to a new nationally representative survey commissioned by Age Care Bathrooms and conducted by YouGov.
The research draws attention to the severe impact of escalating energy prices on older generations — many of whom live on fixed incomes and deal with age-related health concerns that make staying warm essential for their well-being.
The survey found that 25.4% of over-50s had to cut down their heating use, while an additional 24.7% employed alternative methods to reduce costs. Strategies included wearing multiple layers, shutting off parts of the home, and limiting hot water use, all of which led to reduced comfort levels.
“Behind these statistics are real people — older adults skipping baths, layering up in cold homes, or sitting in unheated rooms to keep energy bills down,” said Sam Davies, founder of Age Care Bathrooms. “We’re talking about a generation that should be able to feel safe and warm at home, yet too many are forced into energy-saving tactics that can impact their well-being.”
How People Managed the Cold
The survey findings included:
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60.9% wore extra clothes indoors
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35.6% set heating to run only at key times
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22.5% reduced use of hot water by skipping baths or showers
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3.4% turned to heated public places to escape the chill.
A Divided Picture Across the UK
Some parts of the UK were hit harder than others. In Wales, 35% of older people reduced heating, and just 45.3% said they didn’t struggle — the lowest comfort rating in the country. In Scotland, 27.9% took similar measures. Meanwhile, the East of England had the least reported hardship, with only 21.6% cutting back and 53.1% feeling unaffected.
“These regional differences tell a wider story — about inequality in infrastructure, local energy support, housing conditions, and income levels,” Davies noted. “Older adults in some parts of the UK are much more vulnerable to winter hardship than others.”
Home Upgrades in High Demand
Asked which changes would most help them stay warm next winter, over-50s prioritised:
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30.2%: modern, efficient heating systems
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21.9%: improved insulation. Together, these responses indicate a pressing demand for energy-efficient solutions.
A Looming Crisis for Public Health
The outlook for next winter remains uncertain, with high energy costs and patchy support creating further risks for vulnerable older people.
“This isn’t just a winter issue — it’s a public health concern,” Davies warned. “Cold homes can trigger or worsen respiratory problems, increase the risk of falls, and lead to isolation and poor mental health. We need to treat this with the urgency it deserves.”
Age Care Bathrooms is urging action to:
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Review and enhance winter heating support
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Make home energy grants more accessible
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Promote awareness of available help.
“No one should be sitting in a cold house because they’re afraid to put the heating on,” added Davies. “There’s a growing number of people silently struggling behind closed doors — and unless we act, those numbers will only rise.”
About the Research
The online poll was carried out by YouGov in March 2025 and included responses from 1,008 UK adults aged 50+, with results weighted to represent the national population.
