Half of all adults over 50 in the UK had trouble affording heating during the past winter, according to new YouGov research commissioned by Age Care Bathrooms.
The findings draw attention to the financial challenges facing older adults — particularly those relying on fixed pensions or coping with chronic health concerns — as they navigate sharply rising energy prices.
The study shows that 25.4% of respondents actively used less heating, while 24.7% took other measures to cut down costs, such as wearing thick layers at home or only heating specific parts of the house. Many said these actions compromised their overall 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.”
Daily Adjustments to Stay Warm
The data showed significant changes to day-to-day behaviour:
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60.9% added layers of clothing to stay warm indoors
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35.6% relied on heating timers to reduce energy use
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22.5% limited hot water use by avoiding baths or showers
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3.4% turned to heated public places like shops and libraries.
Wales and Scotland Among Worst-Hit Regions
The study revealed regional disparities, with Wales showing the highest level of struggle: 35% of over-50s there reduced heating use, and just 45.3% felt comfortable during winter. Scotland followed with 27.9% reducing usage. Meanwhile, the East of England saw the fewest issues, with only 21.6% cutting back and 53.1% reporting no problems.
“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 Older Adults Say They Need
When asked what would help improve their home comfort next winter, two needs stood out:
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30.2% said more energy-efficient heating
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21.9% prioritised better home insulation. These preferences highlight the demand for practical, long-term solutions to heating challenges.
A Warning for an Ageing Nation
As the population continues to age, and with ongoing uncertainty around energy pricing and support schemes, the issue of cold homes may only become more pressing.
“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:
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A review and expansion of winter heating support
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Streamlined access to home improvement grants
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Greater visibility of help available for the older population.
“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 Background
The data is based on a nationally representative online survey conducted by YouGov for Age Care Bathrooms in March 2025, involving 1,008 UK adults aged 50 and above.
