A poll of people over the age of 66, carried out by Age Scotland’s partner Age UK, found that in Scotland 75% - the equivalent of 780,000 older people – said their homes were cold some, most or all of the time during the winter months. 

Two in five (40%) of those asked admitted they had cut back on heating at the coldest time of the year and nearly half (45%) said they were worried about being able to heat their homes when they needed to. 

The impact of rising energy bills is a concern to 44% of respondents. 

Ahead of another energy price increase next month, the Scottish charity for older people is urging older people to call its free helpline and make sure they are getting the best and most affordable deal from their energy company. 

Katherine Crawford, chief executive of Age Scotland, said: “This research shows what a brutal winter it has been for hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland. It is horrific to think of so many older people on low or moderate incomes suffering from the cold in their own homes because they can no longer afford to keep themselves warm. 

“Never ending energy bill increases, coupled with the unexpected loss of the Winter Fuel Payment last year, have caused untold misery to so many older households during the coldest months of the year. The impact on older people’s physical and mental health will be significant. 

“Fuel poverty for pensioners in Scotland was at the highest level in a generation before they lost their Winter Fuel Payment. And while there will be some help next winter with the return of a Scottish energy support payment for pensioners, we have real concern that £100 per older household just won’t be enough for most when you consider that it will be half or a third of what they previously received. We’d urge the Scottish Government and parliament to work on going further with this payment. 

“In just a few weeks, energy prices will rise again, piling yet more pressure on older people who are already financially stretched. I would urge anyone who is worried about the impending price increase to call our free helpline on 0800 12 44 222. Our energy advisors can help with advice and information about how to best manage energy costs.”

She added: “I would also encourage older people to speak to their energy provider to make sure they are on the most affordable tariff to suit their usage. Information about tariffs can be found on energy company websites and for those not online, most energy companies have a customer service telephone number printed on the bill. 

“Older people should be able to live in warm, comfortable homes, and it is vital that they are supported to do that in every way possible.”