Roger Cliffe-Thompson, an 82-year-old pensioner residing in Merseyside, dedicates five days a week to assisting individuals with dementia at a care facility. Despite finding fulfillment in his role as an activities co-ordinator, he explains that financial constraints necessitate his continued employment. As a former educator in further education, Mr. Cliffe-Thompson expresses his inability to solely rely on his state pension and modest private pension. Managing an interest-only mortgage until the age of 99 further adds to his financial burden.
In an effort to economize, Mr. Cliffe-Thompson has adopted frugal measures such as limiting water consumption to save on costs. He humorously mentions diverting bathwater to flush the toilet to conserve resources. Concerned about escalating expenses, he meticulously monitors his daily energy expenditure, striving to keep it under £1.80, although recent harsh weather conditions have slightly increased this amount.
Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Cliffe-Thompson highlights the challenges faced by many pensioners in navigating financial matters, particularly in an increasingly digital world. He emphasizes the necessity for companies and institutions to consider the diverse technological competencies of older individuals.
Age UK’s recent research reveals that a significant portion of seniors are curtailing electricity usage and adjusting heating settings to manage financial pressures during the winter months. The charity warns of a looming crisis as the number of impoverished pensioners is projected to surpass two million in the near future.
As part of its “Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight” campaign, Age UK urges older individuals to explore potential eligibility for additional financial aid, such as pension credit. Recognizing the prevalence of missed opportunities for financial support, the charity encourages proactive steps to access available benefits.
Caroline Abrahams, the charity director at Age UK, underscores the urgency of addressing poverty among the elderly population. She emphasizes the essential role of financial support in enhancing the quality of life for older individuals and the collective responsibility to mitigate the impact of financial hardship on this demographic.