AS the government's new winter advice to the elderly is released, there are a significant number of pensioners who face the unenviable decision as to whether to heat or eat, and that has a terrible effect on people’s health.

There are many older people who don't have the luxury of having families close by and it's these people that are most at risk as temperatures plummet.

As a community we absolutely need to do more to keep older relatives and neighbours front of mind at this time of year and to check that they are keeping their homes at a comfortable temperature in order to avoid unnecessary illness, and in many cases hospital admissions.

Paul Green, Saga campaign group.