As winter approaches and energy prices soar, British retirees like Daphne Edwards, 71, are taking extreme steps to stay warm – including returning to work. Edwards and her husband now split firewood for their fireplace to minimize gas usage, while juggling part-time jobs to cover rising bills and groceries. “We never imagined working at this age,” she says, “but we can’t afford to sit still anymore.”
Their story reflects a broader trend across Europe, where 32% of UK households earning under ÂŁ30,000 report cutting back on heating, according to recent surveys. With natural gas prices 180% higher than pre-pandemic levels amid geopolitical tensions and supply chain strains, pensioners and low-income families face impossible choices between warmth and sustenance.
A Shift in Retirement Realities
Charities and labor groups note a 22% surge in pension-age workers since 2021 in Britain, particularly in retail and hospitality roles. Meanwhile, online searches for “diy heating solutions” tripled this autumn across EU nations. Experts warn the crisis could deepen health inequalities, as vulnerable populations risk exposure to cold or unsafe heating methods.
Global Implications
The situation underscores growing financial pressures on aging populations worldwide, with 68% of G20 nations experiencing double-digit energy inflation in 2023. As policymakers debate subsidies and energy transitions, Daphne’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of economic instability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
