𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

More than three million pensioners are struggling financially, according to new research. Polling for Age UK found that 28% of older people – 3.4 million – are finding it hard to make ends meet, with half of these saying they have been in difficulty for at least three years.

One in four pensioners said their energy bills are unaffordable, while one in five have cut back on food and groceries to get by. In a new report, Age UK warns of the risk of another year of energy price hikes.

Charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “Our research was carried out before the war with Iran, so it’s frightening that so many older people said they were struggling financially even before the consequent price rises for energy and other essentials kick in.

“This makes the coming winter look really challenging for millions of pensioners, and it’s why the Government needs to do the planning now for the additional, targeted support that pensioners on low fixed incomes will undoubtedly need once temperatures dip later in the year.

“An important finding from this survey is that almost half of the 3.4 million older people who said they were struggling financially had been in this position for at least the last three years.

“Having money troubles is probably manageable in the short term, but if they go on and on it’s much harder – and more soul-destroying – to stay afloat.

“This shows that there’s more for us all to do, the Government above all, to make sure older people get the benefits they are due, so they don’t suffer the misery of being perpetually on the brink of running out of money.”

Two-thirds of pensioners would rather turn off their heating than fall into debt, according to the polling.

Ms Abrahams added: “This research also shows beyond any doubt that vast numbers of older people, more than two in three overall, are so determined not to get into debt that they would rather be cold in their own homes, even if they jeopardise their health by turning off their heating when it’s chilly.

“It’s another very important reason to ensure that pensioners have the confidence to use their heating in the way their health requires, and this in turn places the responsibility on Government to work with energy suppliers and charities like Age UK on an effective energy support scheme, in good time for next winter.”

Keith and his wife, who are both disabled and in their 80s, said energy is their biggest expense.

They said: “We’re unable to keep the heating on and no matter how much extra clothing we wear, we are always cold.

“We try to stay in bed a bit longer each morning or visit family during the day. As we both have a bus pass, we sometimes ride on buses during the day to keep warm.”

Pat, 79, added: “I only buy the cheapest tinned goods, frozen veg and meat only when it is on offer. We no longer eat bought cakes or other luxuries.

“I now warm the body not the room. My bedroom is only heated when the temperature indoors drops below 18 degrees as I suffer with Bronchiectasis and cold air exacerbates my condition.”

Age UK is calling on the Government to take action to boost pension credit take-up, strengthen protections against high energy costs, and tackle unaffordable and poor‑quality housing.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “Supporting pensioners is a top priority and our commitment to the triple lock means millions of older people will see their State Pension rise by up to £2,100.

“Nine million pensioners benefitted from the winter fuel payment last winter, and the £150 warm home discount has been expanded to six million households, helping those who need it most with their energy bills.

“Thanks to our biggest ever pension credit take-up campaign, we have also seen an additional 33,500 pension credit awards in 2025, worth on average £86 a week, for those who need extra support.”

Opinium polled 2,700 British adults aged over 60 from January 8-23.