Long-term Care Needs and Fuel Poverty among Older People: Beyond Energy Consumption and Affordability

This report explores the link between fuel poverty and the development of long-term care needs among older people, moving beyond traditional measures of income and energy use.

Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Structural Equation Modelling, the study develops a multidimensional, data-driven definition of fuel poverty. It finds that fuel poverty significantly increases the risk of both physical care needs and mental health decline in older adults. The research also highlights inequalities, with more vulnerable groups being disproportionately affected. As older individuals spend more time indoors, inadequate heating and poor housing conditions have broader health and social care implications.

The study argues for fuel poverty to be addressed not only as an economic issue but also as a public health and social care priority. Reducing fuel poverty may help prevent or delay the need for long-term care, particularly relevant during current energy and cost-of-living crises.