Day: January 6, 2025

Almost 4 million pensioners face being cold at home this winter

3.9 million British pensioners could be facing a cold winter, following research which reveals over a third (36%) of over 65s expect to be too cold at home as temperatures drop.

The study found that over 65s are the most likely to be cold at home of any age group, with more than a fifth (21%) saying they can’t get their house warm on cold days, no matter what they try.

As a result, 34% of pensioners worry the temperature of their house is bad for their health on cold days, and it’s no wonder. The research, conducted by SpeedComfort, reveals that British homes are falling short of recommended healthy temperatures, putting older and vulnerable people at serious risk.

On average, British pensioners anticipate the temperatures inside their homes will drop down to 13.9°C this winter, over six degrees cooler than the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for older and vulnerable people (20°C).

According to Age UK, this drop in living temperatures can make older people more susceptible to infections, disease and viruses, and impact long-term respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions that many already live with.

The new research backs this up, with data confirming that older people are most vulnerable to the mental and physical effects of the cold.

The survey found that half (50%) of over 65s feel physical discomfort because of the drop in temperature – 7% higher than the average UK adult. Almost the same proportion (49%) say it makes them feel down.

On top of this, 46% of older people feel less motivated when cold and almost a quarter (23%) believe they get ill more often when their home is cold.

Wouter Heuterman, CEO of SpeedComfort, comments: “It’s heartbreaking to discover just how many vulnerable older people in Britain will be feeling the effects of the cold this coming winter.

“With temperatures beginning to drop and the cost of bills continuing to rise, the next few months will present a significant challenge to many households across the UK. But, for older and vulnerable people, the prospect of being cold at home this winter is particularly concerning, given the significant associated health risks.  

“We know times are tough, so, if you are over 65 or have a loved one who is, it’s so important to consider alternative ways of keeping warm and safe this winter. To help with this, we’ve put together a guide for staying warm without increasing energy usage this winter.”

Find out how to stay warm on a budget this winter.

Leading relationship support charity urges couples to seek help on Divorce Day

Experts advise against making hasty decisions about the future after a challenging Christmas 

Relationships Scotland, Scotland’s leading relationship support charity, is urging couples not to make hasty decisions about their future if they’ve had a difficult time over Christmas.

The first working Monday of the year, known as Divorce Day, is often the time when there’s a surge in people looking to leave their partner and enter into a formal separation agreement. This is often the result of the emotional pressures and expense of Christmas, which can push couples to breaking point as the New Year starts.

Stuart Valentine, Chief Executive of Relationships Scotland said: “The festive season can put a huge strain on relationships where families typically spend more time together with normal routines disrupted, creating a far higher potential for stress and arguments to erupt.

“As we approach what is now known as Divorce Day, we would urge couples not to be hasty in making decisions about the future but instead seek help to discuss the issues which are causing problems within the relationship.

“Often the advice and support from a trained counsellor can be the difference between a family staying together, or becoming another January divorce statistic.

“Where couples do decide to separate, we also have family mediators across the country who can help separating parents agree the future living arrangements for their children, ensuring both parents keep in contact with their kids after they split up where possible.”

The total number of divorces granted in Scotland in 2022-23 was 7,488, a slight drop from the 8,249 in 2021-22 but still significantly higher than the 5,698 granted in 2020-21.

Stuart Valentine added: “While Christmas will be a time of happiness for many, the pressure it brings can be too much for an already fragile relationship.

“Relationships Scotland understands the importance of positive and resilient relationships and the damage caused by relationship breakdown if not handled properly, especially for children.

“We hope couples experiencing difficulties will think about accessing support through counselling or mediation, before heading to the courts seeking divorce.”

Monday 6th January, National Divorce Day, reportedly sees a significant spike in divorce enquiries. Eleanor Levy, Chief Commercial Officer at now:pensions comments: “Pensions are often one of the largest and in some cases the second most valuable asset in a marriage after a home, yet they are frequently overlooked during divorce settlements.

“Sharing these savings could play a huge role in narrowing the gender pensions gap, as today women retire on average with pension savings of £69,000, compared to £205,000 for men*.

“It is essential women understand this when settlement terms are being negotiated. Ignoring these savings can leave one spouse with insufficient funds, ultimately undermining their financial stability for decades to come.”

*Source: now:pensions gender-pensions-gap-report-24.pdf

Have you seen Safdar?

*** PERSON FOUND ***

POLICE are appealing for assistance to trace Safdar Hanif, 14, who is missing from the Swanston area.

Safdar was last seen in Tryst Park around 8.20pm on Saturday (4 January). His family contacted police when he didn’t return home.

He is Asian, 5ft8, has short black hair, and is wearing a navy blue Nike jacket, and green and grey Nike tracksuit.

Sergeant Louise Gordon, Wester Hailes Police Station, Edinburgh, said: “We would ask anyone who has seen Safdar or knows where he is to contact police.

“Our concern is that despite both police and his family trying to contact him, no one has managed to get a hold of him yet.

“We have been checking CCTV and are liaising with local taxi, bus and train companies in an effort to trace Safdar.

“He may be with friends but the fact that he has not been in touch or heard from is of concern. Although he looks older, he is only 14-years-old and we and his family want him home safe.”

If you have any information as to Safdar’s whereabouts, please call police via 101 and quote incident number 2957 of Saturday, 4 January 2025.