The analysis of the data supported the results of earlier studies that demonstrated that as the temperature fell activity levels rose among older people. Household temperatures in the ‘Cold’ group were notably lower than those in the ‘Warm’ group, but lower core body temperatures among participants were not proven. However, the authors infer that this is likely to have been the case among the ‘Cold’ and ‘False Warm’ groups, placing them at higher risk of certain ‘cold stress’-related health conditions such as raised blood pressure and cardiac strain. Members of both the ‘Cold’ group and the ‘False Warm’ group spent much more time outside the home than those in the ‘Warm’ group, although this is not necessarily problematic if the individual is properly clothed.

Certain categories of older people were at higher risk of this. Those without central heating who paid by use and those with central heating who were billed for heating by use but stated that their use was not restricted were more likely to engage in ‘high-risk’ behaviour – frequent outdoor excursions in cold weather without adequate clothing and low levels of activity while outdoors – and also faced low indoor temperatures.

Temperatures in the properties whose residents paid for their heating at a flat rate were on average 1.6 °C higher than those where residents paid by use. The system of heating charges was a significant factor in whether households were able to maintain adequate warmth during the period of study.