Millions of older people across the UK are being compelled to take drastic and dangerous measures, including skipping meals and living in cold homes, to cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis this winter, a leading charity has starkly warned.
A Nation of Older People Going Without
New research from Age UK reveals the shocking extent of hardship faced by those over 65. The data shows that a third (33%) of pensioners are consciously using less electricity to make ends meet, while an even higher proportion, 35%, are turning down their heating despite the winter chill.
More distressing personal sacrifices are also being made. Around one in seven (15%) older people are having baths or showers less often to save on energy and water costs. Perhaps most alarming is that one in twenty (5%) report they will need to skip meals due to financial pressure.
The charity emphasises that these are not isolated cases but part of a growing national crisis. It states that around 1.9 million older people are already living in poverty, a figure it fears will surpass two million in the coming years without urgent government and societal action.
The 'Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight'
In response, Age UK has launched its 'crisis hiding in plain sight' campaign for 2026. It is strongly encouraging every pensioner, both new and existing, to check what financial support they may be entitled to claim this year.
The charity identifies a major barrier: many older people miss out on vital funds because they assume they will not qualify or find the application process daunting and complex without support. Caroline Abrahams CBE, charity director at Age UK, said: “As a country we need to do a lot more to tackle poverty among older people, a social ill set to worsen as our population ages we fear, unless something changes and soon.”
She argued for systemic change: “Ultimately, we need to move to a position in which older people on low incomes do not have to jump through hoops to claim extra help but are given it automatically.”
The Critical Role of Pension Credit
The charity is specifically calling on the government to 'turbo-charge' its efforts to increase take-up of Pension Credit. This benefit tops up weekly income for eligible pensioners to £218.15 for singles and £332.95 for couples.
Critically, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) describes Pension Credit as a “passport” benefit, as it opens the door to additional support including:
- Housing Benefit
- Support with mortgage interest
- A free TV licence for over-75s
- The Winter Fuel Payment
Despite its importance, uptake is falling. Research group Policy in Practice forecasts that a staggering £1.6 billion worth of Pension Credit will go unclaimed in 2025/26, leaving over 750,000 pensioners without this crucial financial lifeline.
Ms Abrahams urged action: “Successfully claiming Pension Credit can turn your finances around if you are an older person struggling on a low fixed income... For any older person trying to live on a small retirement income, every single pound counts.”
She concluded with a direct appeal: “If you reach State Pension age in 2026, or if you’ve been a pensioner for longer and have not yet looked into what you can claim, please contact Age UK to check your entitlement. We’re here to help.”
