New findings from a YouGov poll, commissioned by Age Care Bathrooms, reveal that half of the UK’s over-50 population struggled to afford heating during the recent winter period.
The data spotlights how sharply rising energy bills are hitting older adults — particularly those already contending with limited income, mobility challenges, or long-term health conditions.
Of those surveyed, 25.4% said they had to cut back on heating use, while 24.7% adopted alternative ways to stay warm. Tactics included heating a single room, layering clothing indoors, and even reducing hot water use — all of which led to a noticeable decline in home comfort.
“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.”
Day-to-Day Changes to Cope
The study uncovered a broad shift in behaviour:
- 60.9% put on more clothing indoors
- 35.6% relied on timers to run heating for limited hours
- 22.5% skipped showers or baths to save on hot water
- 3.4% sought out heated public spaces for relief from the cold.
A Regional Divide
Some parts of the country were hit harder than others. In Wales, 35% of over-50s cut down on heating, with just 45.3% feeling they’d avoided hardship — the lowest comfort level nationally. Scotland followed, with 27.9% reducing usage. Meanwhile, the East of England reported fewer issues, with only 21.6% cutting back and 53.1% saying they managed without difficulty.
“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.”
What Would Help Next Winter?
When asked about improvements that would most positively affect their living conditions next winter, energy efficiency clearly led the way:
- 30.2% wanted more energy-efficient heating systems
- 21.9% preferred improved insulation. Together, these responses signal a strong desire for sustainable warmth solutions.
A Broader Warning
As energy costs remain elevated and government support remains uncertain, the survey reveals a growing concern for public health as the ageing population expands.
“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 calling for urgent steps to:
- Expand and refine heating support schemes
- Make it easier to access energy-efficiency grants
- Boost public awareness of existing support options.
“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 Survey
The online survey, conducted by YouGov in March 2025, polled 1,008 UK residents aged 50 and above. Results were weighted to reflect the national population profile.
