Greatest winter concerns for families with older loved ones revealed
Responses from more than 500 families were gathered by Elder as part of our annual Winter Concerns Survey. See the results below and access expert information from Age UK London, the NHS and Elder to help keep an older loved one warm and well this winter.
Top three concerns revealed
Heating
More than 27% of survey respondents expressed concern that an elderly loved one might be unable to keep themselves warm at home.
Recent data from the UK Parliament's Office of Science and Technology (POST) shows that cold UK homes in 2024-25 contributed to 21.5% of excess winter deaths, with fuel poverty directly causing 10% of these deaths.
Injury
Twenty per cent of survey respondents listed injury as their top concern for an older loved one, worried they would slip, fall, or sustain an injury at home.
NHS data shows that one in ten residents aged 85+ were admitted to hospital in 2024 due to a fall. Falls can increase during winter due to icy and slippery conditions.
Health and illness
More than 18% of survey respondents cited health and illness as their greatest concern, worried an elderly loved one’s health would decline rapidly, be it from the flu, COVID-19, a severe respiratory illness, or another condition.
Elder’s survey comes as UK hospitals witness an early flu season, and new data revealing that flu-related deaths more than doubled from 3,555 in 2023-24 to 7,757 in 2024-25 in NHS hospitals.
Loneliness
Sixteen per cent of respondents were concerned that winter weather would prevent visitors, leading to increased loneliness or isolation.
Accessing Health Services
Ten per cent were concerned an elderly loved one wouldn’t be able to see a GP or nurse in a timely manner if an illness or a fall occurred.
Accessing Supplies
Eight per cent were concerned an elderly loved one wouldn’t be able to get groceries, medication, or other essentials due to weather or mobility issues.
A partnership to better protect the elderly this winter
Elder has partnered with Age UK London and Carents to heighten community awareness regarding the two million people in England over the age of 75 who live alone, and to provide families with resources and advice to support an older loved one.
Elder Founder and CEO Pete Dowds
“The results from Elder’s survey reaffirm how vital it is that families and communities stay proactive and vigilant regarding the well-being of older adults,” he said.
“Small acts of awareness, such as checking in, noticing changes, offering support or sharing reliable information, can be the difference between life and death.
"This winter, we’re encouraging families and communities to look out for the most vulnerable and use the practical guidance available to keep them safe and well.”
Age UK London's Tony Burch
“Families want to protect their loved ones but may not always know where to turn,” he said.
“Cold weather has a significant impact on older people’s health, particularly those living with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.“Preventative steps, such as staying warm, ensuring vaccinations are up to date, and getting the right support at home, can make a real difference.”
GP and Carents Founder, Dr Jackie Gray
“This is particularly true for carents, the more than four million adult children in Britain who provide unpaid care for their elderly parents,” she said.
“This winter, small changes such as keeping a loved one warm, good nutrition, re-ordering medication and staying connected to the community can make a big difference to a parent’s wellbeing.
“Carents can find useful tools, community networks, and professional guidance via our Carents Room”.