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Original poster

9 ELDERLY PEOPLE DIE EVERY HOUR OF THE COLD.

179 replies

ivanhoe · 25/01/2011 14:36

THOUSANDS of pensioners died from cold-related illnesses last winter as heating bills soared and temperatures plummeted, official figures reveal.

The number of deaths linked to the cold between December and March reached 25,400 in England and Wales, with another 2,760 in Scotland.

The figures are equivalent to nine deaths every hour.

The total gave Britain the highest winter death rate in northern Europe, worse than much colder countries such as Finland and Sweden.

There are fears the death toll could increase this year following energy price rises which may frighten elderly people into not turning on their heating.

Michelle Mitchell, of Age UK, said: ?It?s unacceptable that tens of thousands more older people die in this country every winter from the effects of the cold weather.

The fact that the UK has one of the highest winter mortality rates in Europe makes it clear this is very much a home-grown problem.

OP posts:
Chil1234 · 25/01/2011 17:10

I'm glad you've contributed complimentary. The point I was trying to make is that there may be a bigger story than simply lack of cash - although poverty clearly plays a part.

complimentary · 25/01/2011 17:02

I worked with older people as a social worker and two died from hypothermia, and other complications (long story).Although sometimes it is not because they cannnot afford fuel. It is simply because they really should be in a residential home and someone should be looking after them. Older people are sometimes afraid to leave the heating on. They have a right feel to feel afraid, because even with the winter fuel allowance they cannot afford to pay the bills.

Quite a few older people have memory loss/dementia, which is undiagnosed, they forget to pay the bills and the electricity comapny turns the electric off. This happened to one of my clients. The companies simply don't realise the customer is old, and may have simnply forgotten to pay. I believe many companies now have list of older people so that they don't just 'cut off' supply, when bills are not paid. (I hope So).

Many older people live alone, become confused and this leads to disconnection or they simply forget to turn the heating on.

Many have no family, and their plight goes unnoticed, unless they have caring neighbours/freinds.

Some older people need sectioning when they cannot look after themselves, feel depressed and are a danger to themselves. Social workers are reluctant to do this, and this can result in the death of an older person.

Pensioners really worry about paying the bills, are proud and don't like to seek help.Sad

Original poster
ivanhoe · 25/01/2011 16:36

Why do you want a deeper analysis ?.

Factually the basic State pension is simply not enough to live on.

OP posts:
Chil1234 · 25/01/2011 16:10

That's an appalling number, you're right. But is there any deeper analysis as to exactly why the numbers haven't substantially changed despite the introduction of Winter Fuel Allowances, subsidised heating equipment and free home insulation for the over 65s? Resist the temptation to say 'because the state pension isn't high enough' for a second.