Frozen pensions are 'somewhat misleading' says Edwards

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The number of pensioners living by themselves has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Studies have shown that loneliness and social isolation heighten the likelihood of physical and mental health issues in the elderly. As the cost-of-living continues in intensity this winter, and the British population continues to grow older, the problems are both an immediate and long-term concern.

The 2011 census found that over-65s made up 16.4 percent of the population of England and Wales. According to the results of Census 2021, this proportion has swelled to 18.6 percent.

People of pension age now number over 11 million. The latest census data also reveal that 3.2 million over-65s live alone – almost 30 percent of the total number. This figure has shot up by over 150,000 in the past decade alone.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, said: “The fact that there are significantly greater numbers of older people living alone and the likelihood this will grow in the years to come has big implications for our society as a whole and the NHS. 

“Loneliness is certainly not inevitable in later life but it remains a widespread issue that blights the lives of far too many older people affecting health and well-being.”

Social isolation – especially among elderly people – has been shown to significantly increase the risk of poor health.

Research by the Health Foundation found that pensioners living alone were 50 percent more likely to go to A&E than those who lived with someone else. They were also more likely to be admitted to hospital as an inpatient. 

The same study also concluded that just under half (49.8 percent) of those aged over-65 and living alone had three or more long-term conditions, relative to 42.2 among those who lived with others.

Laura Alcock-Ferguson, Executive Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, said: “Loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 

“It is no surprise that older people living alone will be visiting their GP more and are more likely to end up in A&E. We also know that some older people visit the GP simply to have someone to talk to.”

READ MORE: State pension set to change in 2023 – the key events you can expect

At the same time, around one in four pensioners living alone have a mental health condition – such as depression or anxiety – compared to one in five of those who live with a partner, friend, or with family.

Ms Abrahams of Age UK added: “Loneliness is not the only problem for older people living on their own – we worry about older people who are on their own who have no one to take care of them when they get sick. 

“In the absence of this support at home older people are more likely to need help from formal health and care services, and it is important that this potential additional demand is factored in. 

“At the moment our health and care system usually operates on the assumption that there is always a close relative ready to assist, but these new figures show this is probably not the case for growing numbers of older people.”

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In the last 10 years, the number of live births in England and Wales tumbled by 15.9 percent, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The British population is expected to continue ageing ever more rapidly over the decade to come.

While forecasters predict England’s overall population will grow by 3.5 percent over the next decade, the number of people of pension age is expected to increase by 18 percent. As such, the number of those in desperate situations is expected to rise.

According to The State of Ageing 2022, the latest report by the Centre for Ageing Better, there has been a steep rise in pensioner poverty, affecting almost one-in-five over-65s. 

A poll by Age UK conducted between October 4 and 17 found that 22 percent of older people had already reduced or stopped spending on medications or specialist foods or expected to do so in the coming months.

The UK state pension is currently one of the worst in Europe, providing just 58 percent of former earnings, well below the OECD average of 62 percent.

In last month’s Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the triple-lock, confirming that the state pension and a host of other benefits would rise in line with inflation in April next year.

Pensioners across the UK also received up to £600 in cost-of-living support in mid-November – made up of the usual Winter Fuel Payment and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment.

Responding to the rising rates of pensioners living alone, a Government spokesperson said: “We’re supporting charity and community groups to help people affected by loneliness and we have reached millions of people through campaigns, including during Mental Health Awareness Week and Loneliness Awareness Week, to share helpful tips and resources to help improve wellbeing.

“We will also invest an additional £2.3 billion per year into mental wellbeing services by 2024 – giving two million more people the help they need, and NHS England is providing an extra £10 million funding to support mental health services throughout the winter to deal with record demand.”

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