Changing clocks could be a thing of the past

Research by Saga has shown that the majority of surveyed over-50s would favour switching to Central European Time to avoid the disruption of changing the clocks at the beginning of winter. Saga surveyed 13,000 in the over-50 age group, and found two thirds in favour of the change.

The problem created by turning back the clocks to “save daylight” during winter is that many older people become not only depressed, but also confined to their homes.

Ros Altmann, the director-general of Saga, explained the situation that older people face as a result of the changing clocks: “By staying indoors to avoid driving they are being isolated from friends and family, whilst ramping up their spending on energy.”

Other effects of the early darkness include 20 per cent of surveyed over-50s relying on lifts from friends and family. This removes a great deal of autonomy from the older generation.

According to a Telegraph article, more than four in 10 of respondents indicated that dark evenings depressed them, while almost one quarter felt “grumpier” in general.

Early darkness also has a significant effect on health and well-being. According to the research, older people tend to watch more television and take less exercise during winter.

The research made a strong case, and the proposed change won backing from MPs such as Tim Yeo, the chair of the energy committee, and Zac Goldsmith, Conservative green advocate.

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