Over 65s hit hard in latest cold snap

Our latest research found that nearly one in ten elderly people in the UK expects to suffer from health problems this winter due to the high cost of energy; the equivalent of 1 million people nationwide**.
We surveyed 2,000 people over the age of 65 and found that 90% of respondents believe that the cost of energy presents a real health threat to their age group. As winter temperatures plummet and the amount of energy needed increases, almost a third (32%) of over 65s could be forced to ration energy usage to try to keep their bills down – on par with this time last year.

Further findings demonstrate how the colder weather is a significant factor in the lives of over 65s. 40% of respondents stated that they are worried the colder weather this winter will lead to higher than normal energy bills, over half (52%) of the older generation don’t trust energy companies to do the right thing and 60% don’t trust energy companies to pass on any reduction in energy costs to lower their monthly bills.

The problems facing the older generation places a new emphasis on the importance of the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment, which gives those born before 5 May 1953 between £100 and £300 tax free towards energy bills. Two thirds (66%) of respondents said that the benefit helps pay for their energy bills, while more than 1 in 10 (13%) said that they could not pay the bills without the benefit.