Winter in the UK can be beautiful, but it’s also a challenging season for many older people. Cold weather, shorter days, and holiday isolation can create serious physical health risks (like hypothermia, flu, or falls) as well as mental wellbeing challenges (such as loneliness and depression). In fact, over 30,000 excess deaths of people over 65 were recorded in a recent winter[myhometouch.com]. Age UK reports that more than half of older people (8.5 million) feel concerned about winter – with 45% worrying they won’t be able to heat their home and 20% even worried about affording enough food[ageuk.org.uk]. It’s sobering to learn that “one older person dies every seven minutes from the winter cold” in the UK[myhometouch.com], highlighting how urgent it is to help our elderly loved ones prepare for the colder months.
Families and friends can make a huge difference. Below are five key actions you can take to keep your older loved ones safe, healthy, and supported this winter. The first four tips are especially important for seniors living alone, and the final tip offers guidance for those living with a spouse. Each suggestion includes a concrete action you can take – and where you can’t be there in person, we note how a care provider like Aurora Community Care can step in to help.
1. Ensure Their Home is Warm and Safe (For seniors living alone)
A warm, hazard-free home is literally a lifesaver in winter. Many older people struggle to keep their houses heated – nearly 45% of UK seniors worry they cannot afford to heat their home adequately[ageuk.org.uk]. This is alarming because living in a cold house can be fatal for a pensioner. As we age, our bodies become less able to regulate temperature, which raises the risk of heart attacks or strokes in cold conditions. No one should be shivering under blankets or at risk of hypothermia in their own living room.
- What you can do: Make sure your elderly relative’s heating is working and set to a safe temperature (around 21°C in living areas). Help with winter-proofing: seal drafts, insulate pipes, check windows. If energy bills are a worry, help them apply for government winter fuel payments. Ensure walkways are lit and clear, and that snow/ice is removed from steps. If you’re not local, Aurora Community Care can provide regular “wellbeing checks” and help keep the home warm and safe.
2. Arrange Health Check-ups and Winter Vaccinations (For seniors living alone)
Preventative healthcare is crucial before and during winter. Older adults have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible to severe illness from bugs like flu and COVID-19. Even a minor illness can escalate quickly. Living alone, an elderly person may not have someone to spot the early signs of illness, so preparation is vital.
- What you can do: Ensure your loved one gets NHS winter vaccines (flu, COVID-19 boosters, pneumonia). Book appointments, offer to accompany them, and encourage a general health check-up. Stock up on medications and winter essentials in advance. If reminders or medication support are needed, Aurora Community Care can help with daily calls and safe administration.
3. Help Prevent Falls and Winter Accidents (For seniors living alone)
Winter’s icy, dark conditions dramatically increase the risk of falls for older people. About one in three over-65s will have a fall each year; for those living alone, the consequences can be severe.
- What you can do: Walk through their home to remove hazards (rugs, clutter), improve lighting, and add non-slip mats or grab bars. Encourage safe footwear and urge them to stay in during icy weather. Personal alarms are wise for those living alone. If risky chores or shopping are needed, Aurora Community Care can help with housekeeping and mobility support.
4. Stay Connected and Boost Mental Wellbeing (For seniors living alone)
Loneliness and isolation worsen in winter. Around 1.4 million older people in the UK often feel lonely, which impacts both mental and physical health. Regular contact is as important as physical care.
- What you can do: Schedule frequent phone or video calls and visit when possible. Arrange social activities, help them join clubs, or get involved in befriending services. If you can’t visit often, Aurora Community Care offers companionship visits to reduce loneliness and encourage outings.
5. Support Older Couples and Caregivers (For seniors living with a spouse)
Older couples face unique pressures in winter, especially if one partner is caring for the other. Nearly half of unpaid carers report feeling depressed, and winter can add extra stress.
- What you can do: Check in with both spouses, offer targeted help (like shopping or housework), and encourage the caregiver to take breaks. Respite care is a lifeline—Aurora Community Care provides in-home support to give carers a well-deserved rest, helping both partners stay healthy and happy at home.
Conclusion: Winter doesn’t have to be dangerous or lonely for our elderly loved ones. With thoughtful planning and regular contact, families and professionals like Aurora Community Care can make all the difference—keeping older people warm, healthy, and connected all season long.
Statistics and guidance sourced from Age UK, NHS, and leading care organisations.
For extra support, call Aurora Community Care on 01903 495456 or visit auroracommunity.care.
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