New research from the charity Age UK has issued a stark warning that millions of older people across the UK are being driven to take "drastic measures" to survive the winter, including skipping meals and reducing their heating.
A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
The charity's findings, released in January 2026, paint a grim picture of hardship among the elderly. The data reveals that a third (33%) of over-65s are using less electricity this winter to make ends meet. Furthermore, 35% stated they are turning down their heating despite the cold weather gripping the nation at the start of the year.
More severe cutbacks are also widespread. Approximately one in seven (15%) older people said they will bathe or shower less often to save money, while a shocking one in twenty (5%) confirmed they would need to skip meals. Age UK adds that around 1.9 million older people are already living in poverty, a figure projected to surpass two million in the coming years without urgent intervention.
The Struggle to Access Vital Support
In response, Age UK has launched its 'crisis hiding in plain sight' campaign, strongly encouraging all pensioners to check what financial support they may be eligible for. A significant barrier is that many older people miss out on aid because they assume they will not qualify or find the application process daunting without assistance.
Caroline Abrahams CBE, charity director at Age UK, criticised the current system: "Ultimately, we need to move to a position in which older people on low incomes do not have to jump through hoops to claim extra help but are given it automatically." She called on the government to 'turbo-charge' its Pension Credit take-up drive to ensure no pensioner misses out.
The Lifeline of Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a crucial benefit for pensioners with a weekly income below a specific threshold. It can top up income to £218.15 a week for single people and £332.95 for couples. The Department for Work and Pensions describes it as a "passport" benefit, unlocking further support such as Housing Benefit, help with mortgages, a free TV licence, and the Winter Fuel Payment.
Despite its importance, uptake is worryingly low. Research group Policy in Practice forecasts that around £1.6 billion worth of Pension Credit will go unclaimed in 2025/26, with over 750,000 pensioners missing out. Ms. Abrahams noted that take-up has recently decreased, stating: "Successfully claiming Pension Credit can turn your finances around if you are an older person struggling on a low fixed income."
The charity urges anyone of State Pension age, whether newly eligible or longer-term, to contact Age UK for a benefits check. "Every single pound counts," Abrahams emphasised, "and even a small weekly top-up could make a tangible difference. We're here to help."
