‘Perfect storm of anxiety’ as half fear bills crisis
FEARS about the cost of living are taking a toll on health and wellbeing.
Not having enough money to live on is the greatest worry of more than half of Britons (52 per cent), a survey has found.
And 85 per cent think the crisis will have a negative impact on the life expectancy of older people.
Stressing about whether or not they will have enough money to pay soaring energy and food bills is hitting the mental health of almost half of consumers (49 per cent).
This rises to 57 per cent of those householders already suffering from a health problem, found the Royal Voluntary Services report.
Vulnerable
As many as 48 per cent of people feel anxious and 42 per cent are depressed at the thought of cold, dark months ahead.
Sam Ward OBE, deputy chief executive at the RVS, said: “These stark findings are a sobering reminder that there are some very vulnerable people out there.
“The combined pressures of the costof-living crisis and winter health challenges are the perfect storm.”
The survey of 2,598 people – sponsored by the charity’s partner Yakult – also found 39 per cent have no one to turn to for advice on health and wellbeing over the winter.
This rises to 43 per cent for those living alone or aged 60 and over.
Most fearful of these financial pressures were respondents living with longterm health conditions (58 per cent) and those of working age (56 per cent).
Keeping warm as energy bills soar is another major cause for concern. More than half (54 per cent) were worried about not being able to heat their home. And, as grocery price inflation hits a record high of 14.7 per cent, a third of people are worried about not being able to buy food.
Meanwhile, rising costs mean millions will have to re-think retirement plans, say insurance giants Legal & General.
More than a third (34 per cent) of workers aged 55-plus – 3.3 million employees – have started to reduce hours in anticipation of retirement.