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Warns Age Concern as excess winter death figures announced.

New Age Concern research shows that as a result of recent energy price hikes almost two-thirds of older people are more worried about their ability to stay warm and well this winter than last year.¹ This research coincides with the Office for National Statistics announcement today that there were 22‚400 excess winter deaths of older people last year. ²

The UK has the highest number of excess winter deaths in Europe - higher than countries with more severe winters such as Finland‚ Denmark and Austria.³ As this winter is predicted to be colder than last year‚ it is very likely that there will be an increase in the number of excess winter deaths in the UK.

With more than half of pensioners cutting back on food and heating because of the increased cost of living4‚ Age Concern is warning that this could be putting the health of thousands of older people at risk. If older people cut back on their heating during a colder winter this could lead to a rise in the numbers affected by cold-related illnesses‚ which contribute to thousands of the excess winter deaths of older people each year. 

The charity is urging the Government to take action to help the poorest pensioners who are struggling to afford to heat their homes by addressing unfair energy pricing. This is backed by the charity’s new research‚ which shows that almost eight out of 10 people think the Government should intervene in the energy market to ensure the poorest customers do not pay more for their energy.⁵

Gordon Lishman‚ Director General of Age Concern‚ said:

“It is a national scandal that we have a higher number of excess winter deaths than every other country in Europe. With this winter set to be colder than last‚ the numbers are likely to rise. Pensioners are clearly more worried about staying warm and well this year. Yet‚ the impact of increased energy bills is causing thousands to risk their health by cutting back on heating.

“We would urge any older person who is struggling to make ends meet to find out if they are entitled to benefits‚ which could help to make paying their bills easier‚ and to take extra precautions to stay warm during the colder weather. The extra help for pensioners in this week’s Pre-Budget Report is welcome but the Government must do much more to address unfair energy pricing which is penalising the poorest pensioners and families.”

Age Concern has welcomed the increased funding for the Warm Front scheme announced in the Pre-Budget Report but is calling on the Government to go much further in helping the one in three pensioner households who will be living in fuel poverty this winter. Reforms to social tariffs and an end to the over-charging of pre-payment meter‚ cash and cheque customers are urgently needed to ensure the poorest customers don’t pay more for their energy. The charity is also calling for a radical new fuel poverty strategy‚ supported by a fair funding formula that recognises the windfall gains to the energy industry from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

Age Concern’s top tips to stay warm and well this winter

1. Claim your benefits - Millions of pensioners are missing out on their share of up to £5 billion in unclaimed benefits. If you are eligible this could make a huge difference to your weekly income and go some way towards meeting increased energy bills.
2. Eat well and keep warm - Hot meals and drinks provide warmth and energy. Try to eat one nutritious hot meal every day and have a hot drink before bedtime. Wear several layers of clothes to keep warm and wrap up well when you go outside. 
3. Stay active - Regular exercise generates heat and helps you to keep warm. It can be as simple as doing household chores or a stroll to the local shops.
4. Get a flu jab - If you’re over 65 or have a long-term health condition‚ you’re more vulnerable to the effects of ‘flu.  There are different strains of the virus each winter - make sure you are protected by getting a free flu jab from your GP every year.
5. Shop around - Shopping around for the best energy rate could make you a considerable saving. If you are on a low income you may also be eligible for a discounted social tariff.
6. Get energy efficient - Improving your insulation‚ central heating‚ double glazing or draught-proofing could help keep your house warm and cut your bills. If you receive benefits you may be able to get a Warm Front grant to help pay for heating improvements‚ and your energy supplier may offer energy efficiency products like insulation free of charge.

- ENDS -

Notes to editors

1. Age Concern/ICM research 24th-26th October 2008‚ with 1001 adults surveyed by telephone. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information can be found at http://www.icmresearch.co.uk/
2. There were 25‚300 excess winter deaths in winter 2007/08 - of these deaths 22‚400 were of those over 65. Excess Winter Deaths are defined by the Office of National Statistics. They are the difference between the number of deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average number of deaths during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July). Exposure to the cold affects the number of winter deaths‚ but it is very unusual for the cold to kill people directly. In the main these deaths are from respiratory or cardio-vascular ailments. These deaths are often as a result of heart attacks‚ strokes‚ bronchial and other conditions‚ and may occur several days after exposure to the cold.
3. Source – World Health Organization.
4. Age Concern/ICM survey of 2391 people aged 60 and above by telephone by between August 6th-31st 2008.
5. Age Concern/ICM research 24th-26th October 2008.
6. Pensioners who are entitled to means-tested benefits.

• Age Concern produces a free benefits leaflet entitled ‘More money in your pocket’ and a booklet called ‘Winter wrapped up’ with tips on how to stay warm and well this winter. Both are available from the charity’s freephone information line on 0800 00 99 66. Local Age Concerns may also be able to help any older person who is finding it hard to make ends meet.
• Age Concern’s bestselling book ‘Your Rights 2007-08’ is written by Age Concern’s income expert Sally West and is a clear guide to all the main money benefits. Priced at £5.99 plus £1.99 p&p it can be ordered from Age Concern Books on 0870 44 22 120. Some copies are available for reader or listener giveaways/ discount offers – for further information‚ please contact Emma Hayes on 020 8765 7515 or emma.hayes@ace.org.uk.
• Innocent and Age Concern’s Big Knit campaign raises vital funds to help older people keep warm during winter.  Knitters‚ many of them older people‚ have made half a million little hats to place on top of Innocent smoothies‚ and for each one sold 50 pence goes to Age Concern. Smoothies with hats on are available until mid December in Sainsbury’s.

Factfile

• Nearly 90 per cent of all excess winter deaths are of people over the age of 65.
• Almost one in three older people live in homes with inadequate heating or insulation making their homes more difficult to heat and/or keep warm.
• Age Concern estimates there are now around 2.75 million older households – more than one in three - in fuel poverty in the UK.
• When it was first introduced the £200 Winter Fuel Payment covered over a third of the average fuel bill – it now covers less than a fifth.
• NEA estimates the average annual standard credit energy bill is now £1287.
• Age Concern research shows two-thirds (66%) of pensioners are cutting back on the amount of gas and electricity they are using‚ over half (52%) are buying less or poorer quality food‚ and one in 10 low income pensioners have built up debt due to the increased cost of living.
• Older people - who account for around half of those in fuel poverty - are the most likely to pay by cash or cheque‚ and families are particularly likely to pay by pre-payment meter
• Despite increased living costs‚ up to £5 billion in benefits is going unclaimed by some of the poorest pensioners‚ because they don’t know that they are entitled‚ are worried about the complexity of the process or are embarrassed about claiming.

Media Contact:
Emma Hayes/ Anne-Marie Devaney
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