The Government and the Devolved Administrations consider that these vulnerable households should receive priority assistance. The physiological effects of cold are well documented. This, with raised fibrinogen levels due to respiratory infections in winter, is associated with increased deaths from coronary thrombosis in cold weather. About half of excess winter deaths are circulatory in cause, due to the above factors. In the UK from December to March, year on year, there are between 20,000 and 50,000 excess deaths compared to the rest of the year 4 .
Older people spend a lot of time in the home.
The relationship between indoor temperatures and ill health is a complex one, with other factors such as outside exposure and behavioural factors involved. In addition, cold causes other discomfort for older people, for example worsening arthritic pains, and contributing to a general feeling of illness. 3.13 Research indicates that domestic accidents, including fatalities, are more common in cold homes in winter. Periods of prolonged immobility can result, making it even more difficult for older people to keep warm. People may need to go into residential care because of their injuries, or because they can no longer live in their cold home.