Many older people face decision to ‘heat or eat’

“HEAT or eat” has become a widespread phenomenon for older people.

More than half are going without food or clothing to pay for heating their homes, according to latest research.

The study, which explored the experiences of a sample of 722 older people linked to a range of community and voluntary groups and services, found that almost 25% described their home as too cold.

About 62% said they were worried about the cost of heating their home, while 8% claimed to have even used the oven for additional heat during cold snaps.

The all-island study also features a review of national fuel poverty statistics relating to older people, as well as an analysis of excess winter deaths among older people in both the Republic and the North.

It was carried out by DIT, the Institute of Public Health in Ireland, Brunel University London and The Centre for Excellence in Public Health in the North.

Professor Pat Goodman, principal investigator on the study, said heating made a significant impact in the difference between summer and winter death rates.

“Winter mortality rates in both jurisdictions have decreased but there are still significant differences between winter and summer mortality rates in older people, and cold homes can contribute to this phenomenon,” he said.

A previous study of cold-related deaths in Dublin, led by DIT, showed that each one 1C drop in temperature was associated with a 2.6% increase in deaths over the subsequent 40 days, with the majority of these deaths occurring in older people. While older people in Ireland were more likely to lack central heating (12%) compared with the North (7%), those in the North were particularly vulnerable from an income point of view.

Dr Helen McAvoy, Institute of Public Health senior policy officer, said the research revealed a “dual burden” for older people who are more likely to experience fuel poverty and more vulnerable to health risks as a result.

“Older people were the age group most at risk of fuel poverty. This was driven by poor housing condition, energy inefficient housing, rising fuel prices and low income.

“Older people living in a home they considered ‘too cold’ were more likely to report significant ill-health and disability. Older people who are over 75, older people living alone and those with a chronic illness or disability were particularly vulnerable.”

The Government strategy for affordable energy was published last month and estimated that almost half of older people living alone were experiencing energy poverty.