I worked until I was 75 and it amazes me that I can’t afford to sit down in my own home and put the heating on. My husband died aged 63 and we didn’t have any savings. So, this cost-of-living crisis and the energy prices have hit me for six. In winter, I only turn the hot water on every few days and use one oil heater. I even bought solar panels to generate electricity, but they don’t do anything.
After my energy company went bust, I didn’t hear from the company that took over for months – they never sent any bills. Then suddenly they said I owed them thousands of pounds, and they were taking it out of my direct debit. I never got any notice. I was only using the oil heater. I tried to get some money back for the solar panels, but there’s been no progress. I paid a lot of money for them, and then paid £3,000 for the battery the company said I needed. The most I’ve ever got back in returns is £70.
"I worked until I was 75 and it amazes me that I can’t afford to sit down in my own home and put the heating on."
Gwenda has to cut back on essentials to get by; a reality for many people in later life living in financial hardship. But sharing her story with us means that together we can show decision-makers how we need to improve later life for all.
Through our campaigns, research and services like our free Helpline, we’re making a real difference to the lives of older people facing financial hardship. Your support helps us do this. Together we can end pensioner poverty.
Philip and Carol's storyDespite still working, Philip and Carol are sometimes unable to afford food.
Stephen's storyDespite saving for their retirement, Stephen and his wife soon found they were having to cut back on basics to get by.
Two million too manyWe believe there are two million too many older people living in poverty. Read about our campaign and download campaigning resources.