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03/03/2006
Pensioners 'missing out on luxuries'
Many pensioners are unable to afford luxuries and are forced to live 'just above the breadline', a report by Age Concern has suggested.
The report found that 40% of over 65s felt that their social life was restricted because of a lack of money, while just over a third admitted that they could not afford to spend a day out with friends of family. One in three said that they could not afford to go out for a meal or to the pub or entertain friends or family at home.
Pursuing a hobby or leisure activity was also impossible for a third of respondents and 41% said that they were unable to afford a holiday.
Age Concern warned that thousands of older people are missing out on a decent quality of life, which could put them at risk of isolation and depression later on.
The report found that many older people used strategies such as heating only one room, buying economy food or food near its sell-by date and buying second-hand clothes from car-boot sales in order to save money.
However, in spite of this, most felt that they "could get by" on their income and cover essential costs. The Winter Fuel Allowance was also widely praised.
However, Age Concern said that although pensioner poverty has reduced since 1997, one in five pensioners are still living below the breadline.
Age Concern's Director-General Gordon Lishman said: "It's appalling that so many older people face a daily struggle to make ends meet and are being forced to sacrifice simple pleasures to afford their rapidly rising bills.
"There is no question that radical pensions reform is desperately needed to prevent future generations facing the same fate in retirement. But the plight of today's pensioners must not be overlooked in the midst of the pensions debate."
(KMcA/GB)
The report found that 40% of over 65s felt that their social life was restricted because of a lack of money, while just over a third admitted that they could not afford to spend a day out with friends of family. One in three said that they could not afford to go out for a meal or to the pub or entertain friends or family at home.
Pursuing a hobby or leisure activity was also impossible for a third of respondents and 41% said that they were unable to afford a holiday.
Age Concern warned that thousands of older people are missing out on a decent quality of life, which could put them at risk of isolation and depression later on.
The report found that many older people used strategies such as heating only one room, buying economy food or food near its sell-by date and buying second-hand clothes from car-boot sales in order to save money.
However, in spite of this, most felt that they "could get by" on their income and cover essential costs. The Winter Fuel Allowance was also widely praised.
However, Age Concern said that although pensioner poverty has reduced since 1997, one in five pensioners are still living below the breadline.
Age Concern's Director-General Gordon Lishman said: "It's appalling that so many older people face a daily struggle to make ends meet and are being forced to sacrifice simple pleasures to afford their rapidly rising bills.
"There is no question that radical pensions reform is desperately needed to prevent future generations facing the same fate in retirement. But the plight of today's pensioners must not be overlooked in the midst of the pensions debate."
(KMcA/GB)
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Millions of pensioners live on less cash than they should because they pay too much tax or miss out on benefits, a leading charity has claimed. Age Concern issued its warning came on the launch of its Concern Week which has been designed to help older people make the most of their money.
Pensioners need help with finances, says Age Concern
Millions of pensioners live on less cash than they should because they pay too much tax or miss out on benefits, a leading charity has claimed. Age Concern issued its warning came on the launch of its Concern Week which has been designed to help older people make the most of their money.
27 July 2009
Concerns Over 'Pensioner Poverty'
The Government has insisted that it is fully behind the welfare of retired people. In the face of a new report that said around one third of the UK's retired people are living in poverty, an official statement has described as "nonsense" any suggestion that the Government is "not committed to pensioners".
Concerns Over 'Pensioner Poverty'
The Government has insisted that it is fully behind the welfare of retired people. In the face of a new report that said around one third of the UK's retired people are living in poverty, an official statement has described as "nonsense" any suggestion that the Government is "not committed to pensioners".
24 April 2008
Report Shows Government Is Failing Pensioners In Fuel Poverty
The Government is failing pensioners and poor families in fuel poverty, according to a coalition of Age Concern, Child Poverty Action Group, and National Energy Action.
Report Shows Government Is Failing Pensioners In Fuel Poverty
The Government is failing pensioners and poor families in fuel poverty, according to a coalition of Age Concern, Child Poverty Action Group, and National Energy Action.
29 August 2006
Nurses 'too busy' to help patients eat
Nine out of ten nurses say that they do not always have time to help patients who need assistance with eating, a study has revealed. The charity Age Concern said that a lack of nursing time and a failure by hospitals to introduce simple safeguards has hit the most vulnerable patients.
Nurses 'too busy' to help patients eat
Nine out of ten nurses say that they do not always have time to help patients who need assistance with eating, a study has revealed. The charity Age Concern said that a lack of nursing time and a failure by hospitals to introduce simple safeguards has hit the most vulnerable patients.
14 May 2014
Cornwall Crash Bus Driver Released On Bail
The bus driver arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a coach struck a wall on a steep hill at Moral, near Looe in Cornwall has been released on bail. The 57-year-old coach driver, from Exeter, is on bail until the 11th August. Two women died in the crash and eight people are believed to be critically injured.
Cornwall Crash Bus Driver Released On Bail
The bus driver arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a coach struck a wall on a steep hill at Moral, near Looe in Cornwall has been released on bail. The 57-year-old coach driver, from Exeter, is on bail until the 11th August. Two women died in the crash and eight people are believed to be critically injured.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
