Older people in Wales forced to choose between heat and food

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 11:34 · Archive

52 per cent of people over 50 in Wales are struggling with the cost of living, according to Age Cymru's latest report.

A new report from Age Cymru warns that rising fuel and energy costs are leaving older people on fixed incomes in Wales with nowhere to turn this winter. The charity's Counting the Cost report found that 52 per cent of over-50s in Wales are struggling with the cost of living, up from 46 per cent in 2025 and just 9 per cent in 2020.

More than a third of older people are spending less on food to try and make ends meet. Of those who have adjusted their lifestyles to save money, 53 per cent have reduced their energy consumption. Fuel and energy were by far the most reported expense in the survey.

Victoria Lloyd, chief executive of Age Cymru, said: 'With the cost of both food and energy rising, those on a fixed income have very little room to move, and it really does often come down to having to choose between food or heat.' Sarah, 65, from Flintshire, described putting on extra clothing to use less gas and cutting back on food each week as prices rise.

How it is being reported

• Age Cymru report says older people having to choose between heating and eatingOlder people are having to choose between heating and eating as energy bills continue to rise, according to a new report.North Wales Chronicle · 14 Oct, 05:00
• Age Cymru report says older people having to choose between heating and eatingOlder people are having to choose between heating and eating as energy bills continue to rise, according to a new report.North Wales Pioneer · 14 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Age Cymru · Wales · Victoria Lloyd · Flintshire

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