I drive a taxi in Cornwall and absolutely love it. I never know who I’m going to meet or where I’m going, so it keeps me on my toes. I’ve had my State Pension for nearly a year, but I couldn’t survive on it alone. I’m frugal – I’ll batch cook and keep the lights off – and, when winter comes, I won’t use the heating. I’m trying to save money. I’m going vegetarian, I don’t drink, but I run a car and have to get dental work done, so any extra money just goes. I never looked at prices before but now I do, because I’ve only got so much disposable income and still have debts.
My taxi licence runs out in two years’ time – when I’m nearly 70. What if I don’t get through the medical? I’ve got type 2 diabetes, enlarged prostate issues – I’m just getting older, you know? That’s my biggest fear – losing my income and then my housing.
"I envy people the same age who don’t pay rent or a mortgage and have a good pension. I’ve been working since I was 18. I could see myself living in a tent, and that’s scary."
Like a lot of older people, Rob does what he can to save money, but it’s not always enough. He chooses to share his story so that we can push for a future where no one struggles to afford the basics.
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.
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Two million too manyWe believe there are two million too many older people living in poverty. Read about our campaign and download campaigning resources.