New data reveals significant concerns about the cost of living amongst older people

New data from the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales reveals that a significant number of older people across Wales are concerned about the cost of living and have been cutting back on essentials in order to try and make ends meet.

With many household bills set to rise again from this week, the Commissioner is concerned that many older people will be forced to cut back even further, putting their health and well-being at risk.

Polling undertaken on behalf of the Commissioner found that 90% of older people are concerned about energy prices, an increase of nearly 20% compared to last year, while 82% are concerned about food prices, an increase of 14%.

When asked about their spending, 70% of older people said they had cut back on spending to heat their home, with 60% reducing the amount they spend on food.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:

“These findings highlight that there are significant concerns about the cost of living amongst older people across Wales, and that many feel they have no option but to cut back on essentials such as energy or food in order to pay their bills.

“It’s important to remember what this means in reality – that older people are unable to afford to heat their homes properly or may find themselves going hungry as they are unable to afford to buy the food they need, which both put people’s health at risk.

“With prices for many things set to rise again this week, these concerns are likely to increase, and people may be forced to cut back even further, creating greater financial pressures, as well as stress and anxiety, which also impacts upon our well-being.

“Poverty amongst older people is also a key issue, exacerbated by the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment, which provided crucial financial support.

“These issues make it more likely that older people will find themselves in vulnerable situations and in need of care and support, which not only have a significant impact on individuals, but also add avoidable costs and pressures to already stretched public services.

“It is vital that the governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay recognise this and take action to provide support to protect older people from harm.”

ENDS