Cost of living: 'I can't afford to bathe daily to help my arthritis'

A report by charity Age UK London has found that older Londoners are struggling as the cost of living crisis continues.

Researchers discovered that one in four older residents in the capital are living in poverty, and while poverty rates for people of all ages have fallen in London overall, the percentage of older people living in poverty has increased from 19% a decade ago to 24% in 2021/22.

Barrie O'Dell, a 78-year-old widower from north London is among those who have found themselves struggling.

The retiree, who worked as a panel beater for 40 years, suffers from several illnesses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriatic arthritis, type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

Before the Covid pandemic, he used to be able to bathe himself every day to help soothe the arthritis in his hips and knees, but rising costs have made that impossible.

"Heating and hot water are my biggest concern," he said.

"I struggle with not being able to bathe daily, it's just too expensive now."

Giving up daily baths is something Mr O'Dell said he has had to learn to "adjust to" and while he tries to be "frugal" with his energy usage, he still finds his bills are "far too high".

Rising food prices also cause him increasing amounts of stress with his weekly shopping bill rising to about £50 a week.

Recalling when he married his wife, Mr O'Dell explained that they "used to go to a supermarket and spend an average of £5, and on that we would come back with four bags of shopping including steak. Nowadays it's £5 just for a piece of steak".

"Everything is going up and up and it's worrying. I eat a lot of noodles and cups of soups," he added.

Before the pandemic, the 78-year-old and his family would also go out for a meal together once a month, but food prices have meant that is no longer possible.

Calling for more support to help those who are struggling, Mr O'Dell said: "There never seems to be enough that is done to aid the elderly. I've seen some real sad cases of people who are suffering, and not just the elderly."

Abi Wood, chief executive of Age UK London, said the charity's report "highlights the increasing levels of poverty amongst older Londoners and the alarmingly growing, disparity in poverty, fuel poverty and food insecurity rates in London.

"Comparing rates against other age groups where poverty has fallen, we are hearing from our older generation that they are really struggling."

The Department for Work and Pensions said the government "remains committed to protecting pensioners" and it had "made the biggest state pension increase in history this year as well as boosting pension credit".

A spokesperson added that "pensioners most in need will receive up to £600 this winter to help with essential costs and we are bearing down on inflation to make everyone's money go further".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]