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Spread the Warmth

Let's beat this winter together

As we get older, the long winter months can feel much harder. Age UK needs your help to spread the warmth – and there are so many ways to get involved.

What does winter mean to you?

Big coat? Wooly jumpers? Rubbish weather? We asked the Great British public to tell us what comes to mind when they hear the word 'winter'. 

Then we asked Margaret, and Val, and James. For them, winter isn't just an inconvenience; it's truly distressing. 

The challenges facing older people this winter

  • Mental health

    Mental health

    Many people find their mood is lower during winter. Loneliness and social isolation can also leave older people feeling cut off and forgotten, putting their mental and physical wellbeing at real risk.

  • Cost of living

    Cost of living

    With the effects of the cost of living crisis continuing to bite, many older people will struggle to afford the basic necessities including decent, warm food and adequate heating.

  • Physical health

    Physical health

    As our immune systems become less effective as we age, older people are more likely to become seriously unwell from common winter viruses like flu and coronavirus.

  • Mobility

    Mobility

    Over winter, fewer opportunities to get out and about and socialise can mean older people spend more time indoors, alone. This can cause people to lose strength, fitness and balance, increasing the risk of falls.

Age UK wants to make sure no older person struggles alone this winter.

Help us spread the warmth.

Take care of yourself

Age UK’s expert advice can help you keep well through winter.

Get advice

Look after others

Be there for the older people in your community this winter, and offer your friendship and support. 

Learn how

Support our appeal

Donate to our winter fundraising appeal and keep our vital services running. 

Give now
A rail of clothes on hangers

Donate a coat

Give the warm winter clothes you no longer need to your local Age UK charity shop. 

Find a shop
Find your local Age UK

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How Age UK can help

Information and advice

The Age UK Advice Line is a free, confidential service offering expert information and advice on topics including money, health, housing and isolation. Our specialist benefits advisers can also help identify the financial support older people may be entitled to. We’re here 8am to 7pm, every day of the year, on 0800 169 65 65.

Find out more

Friendship and support

Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service can help people over 60 stay connected this winter with a friendly, weekly chat. And our Silver Line Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk. 

Find out more

Local services

Local Age UKs offer a range of services, such as day centres, handyperson services, benefits advice and exercise classes. Some offer specific winter services including emergency food parcels and warm space hubs. 

Find out more

Download our free Winter wrapped up guide

This guide has lots of useful information to help you stay well through winter, from what support is available to keep your home warm to how to look after your health.

Winter wrapped up information guide (PDF, 2 MB)

Read our latest report

2023 was another very tough year for older people in the UK and significant numbers are looking ahead to winter and beyond with concern, or even trepidation. Our latest research explores the challenges older people are facing.

Read now (PDF, 5 MB)

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