Most people who suffer a premature winter-related death are over the age of 65, and 75% of these deaths are due to the impact of cold weather has on respiratory and circulatory conditions. Tragically, there are more heart attacks and strokes in the winter months; living in a cold home can have a range of impacts on physical and mental health.
In winter, older people can become increasingly isolated as they spend more time in their homes out of the cold weather. They are less likely to travel, even for essential reasons such as food shopping and medical appointments. There are still many people living in fuel poverty who are forced to make a daily decision about whether to eat that day or turn their heating on, affecting the elderly, children and families.