![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/millions-of-over-60s-living-a-soulless-life-without-money-for-eating-out-or-holidays/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/TELEMMGLPICT000315155110_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqA7N2CxnJWnYI3tCbVBgu9T0aesusvN1TE7a0ddd_esI.jpeg&description=The charity surveyed 1,301 adults aged 60 and over about households changing their lifestyles to make ends meet. Asked whether they had been forced to cut back on social and leisure activities such as eating out, holidays and physical activities, 42 per cent of respondents agreed. The figure is equivalent to around 6.9 million people. This figure is on top of the 1.2 million older people in the UK that Age UK warns are already struggling with loneliness. Older people foregoing essentials Responding to the figures, Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "Older people on low and modest incomes are really feeling the pinch at present and many are reducing or cutting out their discretionary spending altogether. 'This means they are having to forego all but the essentials of everyday life, like food and utilities. Looking after pets is becoming quite a stretch for some and suddenly little treats like lunch with a friend at a local pub, or a trip into town to visit the theatre or cinema may be financially out of reach. 'For those living alone especially, this makes life rather soulless and certainly much more solitary, because such activities are precious opportunities for companionship. "The way in which lack of funds is reducing many older people's social lives and breeding loneliness, even among those who normally feel immune, is one of the important, but less obvious harms brought on by inflation. 'It helps to explain why most older people feel so strongly about the restoration of the triple lock next year: this offers much needed hope of better times to come, before it is too late for them to enjoy them." The data come as the charity launches a new film, Fred's World, featuring a voiceover by Gabby Logan, the sports presenter, to raise awareness of the issue of loneliness among older people. The film spans decades and follows the relationship of football fan Fred and his wife as they watch national sporting moments together and highlights how, for too m){kind=link}
Age UK survey shows impact of cost of living crisis on older people already suffering from loneliness
Millions of older people are living a “soulless and solitary life”, Age UK warns, with many unable to afford to look after their pets, go on day trips and eat out with friends.
The cost of living crisis is impacting older people who are already suffering from loneliness, with two in five now unable to eat out, go on trips and do physical activity because it is too expensive.
Age UK, one of the Telegraph’s partners for its Christmas charity appeal, shared data on those who are having to “forego all but the essentials of everyday life”, including activities which offer “precious opportunities for companionship” such as feeding pets, going to the cinema and meeting friends for lunch.
The charity surveyed 1,301 adults aged 60 and over about households changing their lifestyles to make ends meet.