Last Updated: August 13, 2026
Following the cost-of-living crisis and the recent announcement of the cuts to the Winter Fuel Payments, thousands of elderly people will be left without heating this winter. According to the Government, the number of people in England and Wales receiving a Winter Fuel Payment will decrease from 10.8 million to 1.5 million. In this article, we will highlight why the elderly struggle to keep warm during winter, how they can stay warm and a charity that are helping them do so.
Why do the elderly struggle with keeping warm?
As we age, our bodies change and we become more susceptible to cold temperatures. There are several reasons why the elderly may feel the cold weather more, including:
Medication: Some medications may impair the body’s ability to self-regulate its temperature. Medications could include blood pressure medications, antidepressants, sedatives and beta-blockers.
Thinner Layers of Fat: The loss of muscle density and fat as we age can impact the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and thyroid problems can impact the body’s ability to regulate the core temperature. When the body is less able to regulate its temperature, it heightens the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Raynaud’s disease limits the amount of blood that reaches the extremities in cold weather, and could impact an older person during winter.
How to keep warm during the winter months
There are several ways elderly people can keep warm during the winter months. Here are some ideas:
Eating traditional hot meals: Using a slow cooker to create stews, soups and hotpots can keep you warm throughout the colder months. Keeping a balanced diet is important for boosting your immune system.
Try to move every hour: Sitting for long periods can reduce your core temperature. Staying sedentary for more than an hour can be detrimental, so completing light activity regularly helps to keep you warm.
Clothing: Wearing several thin layers of clothing rather than one thick layer will help you regulate heat better.
Keep your curtains open: On sunny days to heat your home. Once the sun starts to set, draw your curtains as this will keep your home warm.
Warm drinks: Regular hot drinks throughout the day can help you to stay warm.
Using a hot water bottle: This is a great way of keeping warm in the winter months. Ensure these are used with care and the best practices are followed, and avoid using them in conjunction with an electric blanket.
Using electric blankets: These use minimal energy to heat, and can warm your bed as you get ready to sleep. Care should be taken with these, and they should be switched off before going to sleep. Avoid using hot water bottles alongside electric blankets.
Keeping certain rooms of your house warm: This can help you reduce your heating bills whilst keeping your home warm. Keeping rooms warm that you commonly use, such as your bedroom or living room is recommended.
Draft proofing doors and windows: Reducing the drafts coming from outside and colder rooms helps keep as much heat in your home as possible.
About Small Acts of Kindness
Small Acts of Kindness is a charity that is on a mission to keep the elderly warm throughout periods of cold weather. They understand the impact that cold weather can have and through their Warm in Winter Gift Bags, they are keeping elderly people warm. We spoke to Cassie Harris to understand how they are supporting elderly and vulnerable people this winter.
Explain the history of the charity and why it was created.
Founded in 2014, by Lynne Misner CEO, Small Acts of Kindness was created in response to national media coverage about the devastating impact the cold can have on older people. Finding herself with a broken boiler and no immediate fix available, and reading how many older people spend every winter feeling as cold as she was now, mostly living alone, often unable to afford to heat their homes adequately, she felt compelled to do something.
That winter, with the help, support and kindness of friends and professional contacts 50 Warm in Winter gift bags were put together and distributed to older people in the local community who had been identified as being vulnerable. Items in the gift bag included a fleece blanket, thermal gloves, hat and socks, a mug and hot drinks. The following year, around 1000 gift bags were packed and distributed, a figure that has been increasing ever since.
Small Acts of Kindness is now in its 10th winter and the aims of the charity have remained the same. Reducing loneliness and isolation for older and vulnerable people, with a particular interest in helping those who are cold in their homes, by sourcing, packing and distributing practical gifts and information.
12,000 Warm in Winter gift bags are sourced, packed and distributed, FREE of charge, to those aged 55 and over. They contain essential, keep warm items including; a fleece blanket, thermal hat, gloves and socks, a mug, hot drinks, soup and porridge. They also include our comprehensive Purple Pages information pack, which is full of literature and telephone numbers signposting to relevant support, services and activities.
The items and information, together, break the cycle of loneliness and isolation that can have such a devastating effect on an older person’s health. For some, they are a life saver, reaching those who are having to make the unimaginable choice between heating their home or buying food.
Warm in Winter gift bag recipients have said:
“I was thrilled and comforted by all the warm and good things in one small bag. It was magic”
“Receiving this gift brought a tear to my eye. I often feel forgotten, but this showed someone is thinking of me”
“I found the blanket to keep me warm so I can get a good night’s sleep”
“Made me feel very happy and not so alone”
What is your ethos?
Every gift bag that we source, pack and distribute, is a small act of kindness, that makes a big and meaningful difference to someone’s life. Kindness is at the heart of everything that we do, from our volunteers time, to the community organisations who distribute our gift bags, the support from funders and donations from individuals and businesses. The impact of these acts of kindness can be felt not only by our gift bag recipients, but by those performing them as well as us, as an organisation.
Who do you help?
Vulnerable, older people across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
How could a person reach out to you for support?
All of our Warm in Winter gift bags are distributed free of charge, to people aged over 55 across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. To nominate yourself or someone you know for a gift bag, please call 01923 372717, email [email protected] or via our website here. We also work with community partners who distribute our bags to people they identify as in need.
How can a person help Small Acts of Kindness?
There are many ways to support us and be a part of the Small Acts of Kindness family. Whether you want to volunteer your time, make a regular donation, run the marathon in aid of Small Acts of Kindness or are a company looking to make a real impact in your local community, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us to get involved, to help change the lives of thousands of people, making them feel warmer in their homes, cared for and less lonely, one small act of kindness at a time.
Conclusion
Overall, as we approach the winter months don’t forget to check in with your loved ones who may be impacted by the colder weather. Keeping up to date with the winter vaccines, such as the flu jab will provide essential protection against seasonal illnesses, helping to reduce the risk of serious complications and hospitalisations during colder months. If you or someone you know would appreciate a Warm in Winter gift bag, contact Small Acts of Kindness here.
