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For so many older people, life has been too hard for too long.
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Here's how, with your support, Age UK is supporting older people through the cost of living crisis.
For so many older people, life has been too hard for too long.
The cost of living crisis has been relentless. Now, after so long trying to make ends meet, many older people are running out of options.
People like Terry, 72, who worked all his life until illness forced him to retire two years ago – only to find that his state pension barely covered his rising bills. Unsure of where to turn for help, Terry had to cut back on food and make hard sacrifices just to get by.
Too many older people are facing a similar reality.
1.9 million
older people live below the poverty line in the UK, often struggling to afford basics such as adequate food or heating
11.3 million
people over 50 in the UK were finding it difficult to afford their energy bills last year
42%
of people over 50 said last year that they didn't think they'd be able to save any money in the coming year
But with your help, Age UK can be there to offer support when it's needed most.
Through our vital services, Age UK can be there to offer support whenever we're needed.
The Age UK Advice Line is available every day of the year to help people get the information they need about finances, benefits and more. Our telephone friendship service helps to connect isolated older people with someone to talk to for weekly chats. And through our campaigning work, we're fighting to ensure older people's voices are heard on key issues.
But we can only continue to be there with the help of our generous supporters.
172,943 calls
were answered by the Age UK Advice Line, offering guidance and support
Over 8 million
visits were made to our Information and Advice pages
Over £25m
a year in unclaimed benefits was identified for older people by Age UK
A call to the Age UK Advice Line helped Terry to start claiming Attendance Allowance and other benefits he's entitled to. Now, Terry can afford his bills, is able to eat properly again, and feels less worried about his finances.
“Without the help of Age UK, I could have been in very serious trouble. I went from being under tremendous financial pressure to being reasonably financially independent.”
Age UK provides a range of services and your gift will go wherever the need is greatest.