Age UK: A third of over 60s cutting back on food amid financial strain
The older generation in the UK is bearing the brunt of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Almost a third (29%) of those over 60, equating to approximately 4.2 million individuals, have cut back on food or groceries to keep their finances afloat.”
Age UK’s latest research has highlighted this dire situation, which worsens for households earning £20k or below, with 40% of individuals in that bracket being forced to reduce essential spending.
Anxiety over rising energy prices adds to their woes, with 39% of respondents expressing concerns about affording food during colder months.
Age UK’s data paints a concerning picture, suggesting that many might consider rationing food as winter bills skyrocket, thereby risking their health and overall wellbeing.
The charity’s study reveals a noticeable increase in food expenses since the onset of the cost-of-living crunch. Today, the average pensioner household now spends approximately £50 weekly on food and non-alcoholic beverages, which is an increase of £640 annually compared to the expenditure in 2021.
Through their “It Doesn’t Add Up” campaign, Age UK has come across numerous distressing narratives of elderly individuals making sacrifices in their daily purchases to persist. The charity urgently stresses the need for more targeted support for pensioners, especially those with low and modest incomes, to withstand the continuing high prices.
Several pensioners have voiced their struggles:
- “I am very worried about winter. I have nothing else to cut back on except food,” shared a 71-year-old.
- A 73-year-old remarked, “I avoid putting the heating on. Mainly vegetables, very little meat.”
- “We usually shop in the reduced bin for our meals,” commented a 74-year-old woman.
- “Energy bills and food price hikes have pushed us to our limits,” lamented an 80-year-old man.
Three specific groups are of paramount concern to Age UK: elderly individuals with low income who aren’t availing the financial support they’re eligible for; those whose modest savings are depleting; and those incurring higher living expenses owing to health issues or disabilities.
A recent YouGov survey found a significant 36% of individuals aged 65+ felt their financial situation has worsened in the past year, with 14% feeling it’s as bad as the previous year. Alarmingly, about 34% of those qualified for Pension Credit are yet to claim it.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s Charity Director, voiced her concerns: “Malnutrition is increasingly a reality for many elderly individuals. Lack of funds, which wasn’t a dominant factor previously, is now becoming a significant reason for some elderly individuals not getting the nutrition they need. The Government must step in with more targeted financial support. It’s alarming that in 2019-2020, a staggering £2.4 billion of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit remained unclaimed by older people.”
Age UK remains committed to assisting those in need. The charity encourages elderly individuals facing economic difficulties to get in touch. For advice and potential financial help, contact Age UK’s Advice Line on 0800 169 65 65 or visit their website at www.ageuk.org.uk/support.
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