The experience of potentially vulnerable people during cold weather: implications for policy and practice

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the experience of potentially vulnerable people during cold weather to inform interventions aimed at improving well-being.

Study design: Qualitative study.

Methods: Telephone interviews with 35 individuals who could be considered to be potentially vulnerable during cold weather. Individuals were interviewed on two occasions during the winter of 2012-13, one or two days after a level 3 cold weather alert, as defined by the Cold Weather Plan for England, had been issued.

Results: Participants were largely unaware of the health risks associated with low temperatures, especially cardiovascular risk. There was a clear distinction between the thermal experience of people in social housing, which was newer, had efficient heating, was well insulated and well-maintained, and owner occupiers living in older, harder to heat homes. Most participants relied on public transport, and many faced arduous journeys to reach basic facilities. Vulnerability to cold was mediated to a significant extent by practical social support from family members.

Conclusions: Resources should be targeted at people in hard to heat homes and those that are socially isolated. The repertoire of initiatives aimed at reducing cold-related mortality and morbidity could usefully be augmented by efforts to reduce social isolation and build community resilience.

Keywords: Cold weather; Older people; Social support.