A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by Age Care Bathrooms, has found that 50% of adults aged 50 and over in the UK had difficulty affording heating during the recent winter months.
The findings offer a sobering insight into how rising energy costs are hitting older age groups — particularly those who are retired or managing long-term health and mobility limitations — many of whom are living on constrained budgets.
The poll results showed that 25.4% of respondents reduced their heating usage, while a further 24.7% adopted alternative coping strategies such as confining heating to one room or layering up in extra clothing indoors. These measures, while necessary, often led to diminished comfort at home.
“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.”
Everyday Strategies to Stay Warm
The survey illustrated how older adults adjusted their behaviour:
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60.9% wore extra clothing indoors
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35.6% programmed heating to operate only during certain hours
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22.5% cut down on bathing to conserve hot water
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3.4% sought warmth in public spaces like shopping centres or libraries.
Heating Hardship by Region
The findings also revealed regional inequality. In Wales, 35% of over-50s reported reducing their heating, while just 45.3% felt they didn’t struggle at all — the lowest proportion in the UK. Scotland followed, with 27.9% reporting reduced usage. The East of England fared best, with only 21.6% cutting back and 53.1% stating they were 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.”
Top Priorities for Warmer Winters
Asked what home improvements would most help next winter, energy upgrades topped the list:
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30.2% wanted more efficient heating systems
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21.9% pointed to better insulation. Combined, over half the respondents emphasised the need for better thermal efficiency in their homes.
Urgent Action Needed
With continued uncertainty surrounding energy costs and government assistance, the findings raise red flags for future winters as the population ages.
“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.”
To combat the issue, Age Care Bathrooms is calling for:
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Enhanced winter heating support programmes
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Easier access to grants for energy-efficient improvements
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Greater awareness of existing support for older adults.
“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.”
Survey Details
The survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of Age Care Bathrooms in March 2025. It included responses from 1,008 UK residents aged 50 and over, with results weighted for national representation.
