For many older people, the cost of living crisis has turned what should be a peaceful retirement into a constant financial worry. Peter, now 88, thought he’d worked hard enough to enjoy his later years in comfort. Instead, rising prices and mounting bills left him anxious, cold, and unsure how he’d cope. This is how some simple advice and extra support helped him reclaim his retirement and his peace of mind.
A Childhood Shaped by Hard Times
Peter grew up during the Second World War. He remembers dashing into bomb shelters, relying on a temperamental radio for news, using ration coupons, and wearing second-hand clothes to school. Those early experiences taught him to “get on with things” and be grateful for what he had.
But even someone used to hardship can be pushed to the limit. When the cost of living crisis began to bite, Peter suddenly found that careful budgeting and a positive attitude weren’t enough.
Retiring into a Cost of Living Crisis
Peter started work at 16 and spent most of his life in the leisure industry. When he finally retired in 2021, he expected quieter days and time to enjoy life. Instead, he watched food, gas and electricity prices jump almost overnight.
“I tried to keep a little aside for a rainy day,” he explains, “but I could see my savings disappearing.”
As his energy bills climbed, Peter made tough choices just to get by. He heated only one room in his home through the winter, spending most of his time in the lounge to save money. Even then, his bills still went up. Each month he watched his bank balance fall and his anxiety rise.
Peter has breathing problems and high blood pressure, so stress is particularly dangerous for him. Yet he found himself checking both his blood pressure and his smart meter every day, worrying he would soon be unable to pay his rent. “When you’ve worked all your life and end up in that position, you can’t help feeling as if you’ve failed,” he says.
Reaching Out for Help
At first, Peter tried to keep his problems to himself. He didn’t want to worry his son and daughter, so he stayed quiet and carried on cutting back. But as his situation worsened and the cost of living crisis deepened, he realised he needed help to avoid losing his home.
“It’s hard to talk about money,” he admits. “You feel embarrassed, as if you’ve done something wrong – even when you haven’t.”
Peter contacted Citizens Advice, who then signposted him to the Later Living Helpline for specialist support. During a friendly phone call, an adviser talked through his situation, checked what he might be entitled to, and helped him apply for Attendance Allowance.
Peter says the adviser’s patience and understanding made all the difference. Before long, a letter arrived confirming that he had been awarded Attendance Allowance at the higher rate.
“It completely changed things,” he says. “That extra money each week was a game changer.”
Reclaiming Retirement
With the additional income, Peter no longer has to choose between heating and other essentials. He can keep his home warm, stay on top of his rent, and stop watching his smart meter with dread. Most importantly, the constant anxiety that overshadowed his retirement has eased.
“I’d got to a really low point,” Peter admits. “But the help I received has turned everything around. I don’t seem to have a worry anymore – it’s like a weight has been lifted.”
Now, instead of focusing on what he might lose, Peter is able to enjoy the retirement he worked so hard for.
“If you’re struggling, don’t keep it to yourself,” he says. “There is help out there. Reaching out was the best thing I did.”
