In the UK, more than 35,000 deaths are attributed to cold-related illnesses each year, this is equivalent to more than 96 preventable deaths per day. For older people, freezing temperatures and cold weather present significant risks, especially amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Recent research shows that more than half of older adults in Britain worry about keeping their homes warm enough to protect their health during the winter. Age-related physical changes can make it harder for the body to regulate temperature, leaving older people more vulnerable to extreme cold and increasing the risk of cold-related health issues in underheated homes. Ageing can also contribute to physical deconditioning, affecting mobility, strength and balance. These changes can make it more difficult to stay independent when navigating wet, icy or snowy conditions.

Thomas Appelbee, founder and mobility expert at the Skipton-based company Fenetic Wellbeing, offers his expert guidance on how older people can stay safe and maintain their independence throughout the winter.

“In the UK, around one in three adults over 65 will experience at least one fall a year.

Walking aids such as frames, walkers, and rollators, including the X-Lite from Fenetic Wellbeing, play a crucial role in keeping Britain’s older population safe. These aids offer additional support and improved stability on icy or slippery surfaces, helping people remain independent while giving loved ones greater peace of mind.

“Winter also brings added pressure due to the UK’s ongoing cost of living crisis, particularly for the 8.4 million4 people who live alone and may struggle with the expense of heating entire homes. As a result, nearly 5,000 UK deaths have been linked to cold homes alone5. Low indoor temperatures can also aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and arthritis.

“Many energy providers offer lower tariffs during off-peak hours (typically between 11 pm and 8 am), enabling households to save up to 40 percent on heating costs. Using timers or thermostats to warm the home during these periods can maximise savings while ensuring comfortable temperatures during the times they’re needed most, such as early mornings or evenings.

“A highly effective, budget-friendly option is investing in furniture that delivers targeted heat. Heated chairs, such as Fenetic’s Ultra or Hainworth rise-and-recline models, cost as little as 20p per day to run, making them ideal for people living alone who want to stay warm without heating the entire home. This allows someone to keep warm for 12 hours a day, seven days a week, for under £6 per month. Targeted heating solutions like heated chairs or heated blankets can also provide relief for arthritis, stiff joints, and circulation issues, all of which are especially important during cold weather.

“At Fenetic, we work closely with leading manufacturers to provide affordable targeted heat solutions and products to support safe and independent living. Our showroom based in the heart of Yorkshire hosts our 200-strong range of products, with bespoke one-to-one appointments available to help people find the right solution to help them.”

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