Age UK Warns that Cutting Back on Food Can Lead to Hunger in Financial Emergencies
Age UK has revealed that nearly 1 in 3 adults aged 60 and above have reduced their food consumption to make ends meet during financial emergencies. According to the charity, food and non-alcoholic drinks take up a larger portion of pensioners’ income after tax, making it the only flexible expense that can be cut back. Age UK emphasizes that malnutrition has been a long-standing issue for older people, influenced by factors such as isolation, disability, and health problems that affect their appetite and ability to eat or prepare food.
The charity warns that while lack of funds used to be a minor factor, poverty is now playing a significant role in older people not having access to adequate nutrition. A recent survey conducted by Age UK found that 29% of over-60s in the UK, equivalent to 4.2 million individuals, are purchasing less food, and 39% are concerned about being able to afford it. Among those with a household income below £20,000, 40% are cutting back on food.
Age UK is particularly concerned about three groups of older people:
- -Those living on low incomes who are not claiming the financial support to which they are entitled
- -Others whose savings have run out, leaving them struggling to make ends meet
- -Ill or disabled pensioners who face higher costs due to medical conditions
Age UK is urging older people struggling with bills, as well as concerned friends and family members, to contact their helpline for assistance. The charity’s staff can provide guidance on claiming pensions and benefits, including pension credit, which can increase weekly income to a minimum of £201.05 for single people and £201.05 for couples. Additionally, Age UK advocates for the government to extend cost of living payments beyond spring 2024, expand eligibility for these payments, increase the Household Support Fund, and honor the state pension triple lock promise.
The charity also highlights the issue of unclaimed pension credit and housing benefits, with around £2.4 billion going unclaimed in 2019-2020 by older people in Great Britain. Age UK suggests that automatic enrollment in these benefits could alleviate the complexities associated with the application process.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, states that the current situation is concerning, especially with winter approaching: “Once it gets colder their costs will substantially rise, so what will they do then? We fear the answer is that many will feel they have no choice but to ration their food and other groceries, potentially putting their health at risk.”
Government Measures to Support Older People:
- -State pension and pension credit increased by 10.1% in April 2021
- -The Household Support Fund, worth over £2 billion, provides assistance with essential costs, like food and energy
- -Pension credit take-up is at its highest level since 2010
- -The state pension triple lock, which increases payments each year, is protected by the government
The government plans to conduct an annual review of benefits and state pensions, using the most recent data available.
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