Why a Warm Home Matters for Older People’s Health

Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed February 2026)

Cold homes can affect anyone, but older people are more likely to become unwell.

This happens for several reasons:

• As we age, our bodies are less able to regulate temperature or deal with change

• Many older people live with long-term health problems that make cold harder on their bodies.

• Cold can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of chest infections.

• Cold muscles and stiff joints increase the risk of falls and injuries.

If someone has dementia, the risks can be higher. They may not notice they are cold, forget to dress warmly, or use heaters and appliances unsafely. Some heating sources also carry fire risks or can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if not used correctly.

Health experts recommend that homes should be kept warm both day and night.

For people aged 65 and over:

• At least 18°C throughout the home

• Around 21°C in living rooms for comfort

Other important thresholds:

• Below 16°C increases the risk of chest infections

• Between 9–12°C for more than two hours can raise blood pressure and cause circulation problems

• 5°C or lower significantly increases the risk of hypothermia

Cold homes are not always obvious. Warning signs include:

• Constantly wearing coats indoors

• Cold hands and feet

• Shivering or slow movements

• Frequent chest infections

• Condensation or damp on walls

• Reluctance to move from bed or chair

Behavioural changes also matter. Increased confusion, tiredness, or low mood can all be linked to cold indoor temperatures.

Preparing early can prevent emergencies later. Key steps include:

• Servicing boilers and heating appliances

• Checking carbon monoxide alarms

• Insulating pipes

• Joining the Priority Services Register

Cadent Gas provides a useful winter checklist covering these points in detail.

If you don’t live nearby, winter can be especially worrying. Small steps can help:

• Arrange a heating service or safety check

• Install smart thermostats you can monitor

• Ask neighbours or friends to check in during cold spells

• Share emergency numbers clearly

• Encourage use of warm hubs

You do not have to do everything yourself. Accepting help can keep everyone safer.

Many older people keep their homes cold because they are worried about energy bills. This is increasingly common and completely understandable.

Some homes are also harder to heat. Older buildings may be poorly insulated, damp, or off the gas grid, making heating more expensive.

Many carers struggle with this. Even when money is available, some older people are deeply anxious about heating costs. Others grew up during times of rationing and feel uncomfortable “wasting” heat.

Try:

• Talking about warmth as a health issue, not a comfort issue

• Using thermostats and timers so heat runs automatically

• Focusing heat on one or two main rooms

• Adding warm bedding and clothing alongside heating

If resistance continues, it may help to involve a GP, district nurse, or social worker. Hearing the message from a professional can sometimes shift long-held fears.

There may be grants, benefits, or financial support available. Checking what support is available can make a real difference.

Government advice on energy costs and heating support changes frequently and differs by region:

• England and Wales

• Scotland

• Northern Ireland

Local councils can also help. Many offer grants for boiler upgrades, insulation, or energy-efficiency improvements.

Network operators are different from energy suppliers. They are required to support vulnerable households.

Support may include:

• Priority Services Register

• Free gas connections for off-grid homes

• Energy-saving advice

• Carbon monoxide safety guidance

• Support during power cuts

• Free boiler services in some areas

Major providers include Northern Gas Networks and Cadent.

If you prefer to speak to someone:

• Citizens Advice offers free benefits checks and energy advice

• Green Doctors, working with Groundwork, provide home visits, install small energy-saving measures, and advise on grants and bills

Simple changes can reduce costs without letting homes get dangerously cold:

• Use a washing-up bowl

• Take shorter showers

• Fit water-efficient shower heads

• Switch to LED light bulbs

• Line dry clothes where possible

• Only run dishwashers when full

Warm hubs and Warm Spaces are community spaces offering warmth, company, and often hot food. They are especially helpful for older people living alone and can reduce heating costs at home.

Power cut:
Call 105 (free).
Northern Ireland: 03457 643643
Republic of Ireland: 1850 372 999

Gas leak:
Call 0800 111 999
Northern Ireland: 0800 002 001
Republic of Ireland: 1850 20 50 50

Reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, February 2026