Survey Finds Half of Over-50s in the UK Faced Heating Struggles During Winter Months

A recent nationwide survey by Age Care Bathrooms, carried out by YouGov, reveals that half of UK adults aged 50 and over encountered difficulties affording heating over the past winter.

The findings shed light on the increasing pressure that soaring energy prices are placing on older Britons — many of whom rely on fixed pensions or live with long-term health and mobility issues.

According to the poll, 50.1% of over-50s reported either cutting down on their heating usage (25.4%) or resorting to other measures (24.7%) to manage energy bills. These included wearing multiple layers indoors or heating just one room, often at the expense of comfort and well-being.

“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.”

Adapting to Energy Pressures
The survey paints a concerning picture of the sacrifices older households are making:

60.9% relied on extra clothing indoors

35.6% used heating on timers to reduce usage

22.5% avoided bathing to conserve hot water

3.4% turned to public spaces like shopping centres to stay warm.

Regional Disparities Highlighted
The burden of heating costs was not felt equally across the country. In Wales, 35% of over-50s reduced heating use, with just 45.3% stating they had no struggles — the lowest proportion nationally. Scotland was close behind, with 27.9% cutting back. In contrast, the East of England fared better, with only 21.6% reducing heating and 53.1% saying 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.”

What Improvements Do Older People Want?
When asked what changes would most improve their winter living conditions, a significant number of respondents focused on warmth and efficiency:

30.2% said they needed more efficient heating systems

21.9% requested better insulation. Combined, this indicates that over half of older adults see energy efficiency upgrades as vital for comfort.

A Growing Concern for the Future
With energy costs remaining elevated and the future of government assistance schemes unclear, the data highlights an escalating issue as the UK’s population continues to age.

“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 on local and national authorities to take action by:

Reviewing and improving winter heating support

Simplifying the process for energy efficiency grants

Expanding awareness of the help available for older individuals.

“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 study was conducted online in March 2025 by YouGov, on behalf of Age Care Bathrooms. It surveyed 1,008 adults aged 50 and over from across the UK, using nationally representative sampling.