Energy Poverty and Aging: A Scoping Review of Health Impacts and Policy Gaps

Abstract Background Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects of energy hardship, which occurs when households cannot afford adequate energy for heating, cooling, or other essential needs. Their increased susceptibility is due to both physiological needs—such as maintaining higher indoor temperatures—and social factors like fixed incomes and isolation. Methods A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, examining literature from 2013–2024 across 12 databases. Only four studies focusing on energy hardship and health that included an older adult sample, were identified. Results Energy hardship was linked to worsened physical, mental, and cognitive health among older adults. Studies in China and Australia found that multidimensional energy poverty increased depression and cognitive decline in older populations, especially those living alone or in urban settings. A qualitative study in Australia revealed impacts including thermal discomfort, social exclusion, food insecurity, and delayed medical care. Many older adults did not recognize or report their energy hardship, leading to underestimation of the issue. One study proposed integrating energy assistance into in-home aged care, though stakeholder support was mixed. Conclusion Energy hardship has significant health consequences for older adults, compounding existing vulnerabilities. Mental health, physical wellbeing, and access to care are all negatively impacted. Despite clear risks, underreporting and policy gaps limit effective responses. There is a need for targeted interventions and for more inclusive data collection to capture hidden hardship in this group.