Older people in Glasgow buying less food so they can heat their homes, a charity has found

Older people in Glasgow are buying less food so they can save money to heat their homes as energy costs spiral, a charity has found.

Details shared with Food Train, which makes shopping deliveries to over-65s across the city, have heightened fears that increasing numbers will become malnourished as they try to manage gas and electricity bills amid rapidly rising prices.

One Glasgow resident said: “I have the heating and washing machine on less often and have reduced the amount of food I buy in my weekly shop.”

Food Train has written to Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, calling on the UK Government to double the amount paid in its previously announced Pensioner Cost of Living payment to help people cope with the crisis.

Chief Executive Michelle Carruthers said: “Our members are very worried about the winter ahead. Many have no idea how they’ll cope. Some will have to juggle between keeping warm and keeping fed.

“This puts people’s lives in danger. Without immediate action, alarming numbers of older people are going to be at greater risk of malnutrition and social isolation this winter, causing further health problems and putting further strain on our already under-pressure NHS.

“The reports we are hearing from our members are heartbreaking, alarming and unacceptable. Their concerns are clear and are growing. Doubling the new Pensioner Cost of Living payment will go at least some way towards keeping the heating on and the cupboards stocked this winter.”

Taking part in a survey looking at the cost of living crisis and its impact on older peoples’ ability to eat well, another Glasgow resident said: “I am getting cheaper food and will have to put extra blankets on my bed and a scarf around my neck.”

Food Train works with more than 3,000 older people each year across Scotland, helping them to eat well and live well in their own homes through a range of shopping, meal making, befriending and other support projects.

The charity’s survey of members across the country found:

• 27% of those questioned had started buying less food.
• 25% said they would struggle to pay their bills (with 37% having already dipped into savings to make ends meet)
• 30% have switched to cheaper food brands.
• 60% said they will heat their home less.
• 41% are cooking more often by microwave to save heating their oven.

Others are going out less often to save money, increasing the risk of social isolation.

Food Train’s grocery shopping service has faced sustained record-high demand across Scotland since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, making more than 60,000 shopping deliveries across Scotland in the last 12 months.

To find out about how Food Train could help you or someone you know, email [email protected] or call 0800 3047924. To register as a volunteer, go to www.thefoodtrain.co.uk.