Older people’s charity Age Cymru warns that rising fuel and energy costs are leaving people on fixed incomes with nowhere to turn this winter, with many feeling they have to choose between food or energy.

The charity’s latest report, Counting the Cost, delves into the results of its latest nationwide survey of over-50s, where 52% of older people in Wales said they were struggling with the cost of living – up from 46% in 2025 and from just 9% in 2020.

The survey drew more than 1,400 responses from people aged 50 and over across Wales and ran from 2 March to 17 April 2026.

Age Cymru is the national charity for older people in Wales, championing their rights and providing people with support, information and advice.

The new report looks at the most common factors affecting the cost of living, including fuel and energy, water, care and broadband. A common thread was the speed at which costs rise, giving older people little time to plan.

Sarah, 65, from Flintshire* said that making the choice between food or fuel was having an impact on her health: “I put a lot of clothing on to use less gas, the worst was last year when we didn’t get the £200 [Winter Fuel Payment]. I have to really cut back on food each week as the price goes up weekly. I was always proud of eating healthily. At first I could substitute cheaper healthy things but now my diet is not so good. I don’t want to rely on medication for diabetes/cholesterol etc, so I have been able in the past to get exercise and eat better to avoid this. Now it won’t be so easy – costing the NHS more.”

Fuel and energy were by far the most reported expense in the 2026 survey. Of those who had changed their lifestyle to save money, 53% had cut their energy use to make ends meet.

This year, oil prices caused the most concern, rather than gas. Around 7.8% of homes in Wales use oil for central heating, while more than a third of older people are spending less on food.

Water bills were the second most mentioned cost, with 21% of respondents cutting down on water use to save money. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water bills rose by 27% in 2025-26 and a further 4.8% in 2026-27.

Care costs and difficulties understanding charges were also highlighted. Of the 16% of respondents who had sought help from social care in the last year, 40% had to contribute to the costs, and only 28% found the payment arrangements easy to understand.

Meanwhile, 29% of respondents identified as unpaid carers. More than half of carers found caring a challenge, often because of money, but only 5% received Carer’s Allowance.

Although broadband prices have stayed relatively stable, awareness of cheaper social tariffs remains low. Independent Age research found that 60% of older people on lower incomes did not know about broadband social tariffs.

Now, CEO of Age Cymru, Victoria Lloyd, is calling on the UK and Welsh Governments to act.

Victoria said: “People have already shown they are struggling with the cost of living crisis. More than a third of older people are spending less on food to try and make ends meet, and we know that over half of older people making lifestyle changes to save money have cut their energy use over the past year. With the cost of both food and energy rising, those on a fixed income have very little room to move, and it really does often come down to having to choose between food or heat.

“It’s tough for everyone at the moment, but older people are more vulnerable to the health impacts of living in cold or damp homes. With household energy bills expected to see their biggest rise in four years, there is a real risk to the health and wellbeing of older people across Wales.

“Many people navigate costs by switching providers online, but that can be much harder for older people who are far more likely to be digitally excluded, and less able to access comparison tools to easily switch. This means they get caught up in inflated auto-renewal prices that are even greater than the general rise in bills that we are all seeing.

“With so many of these issues affected by wider geopolitical conflicts, it can be easy to feel helpless, or like we have no control. However, there are things we can do. The UK Government’s decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment in July 2024 left many older people with little time to prepare for the loss of this support. Thankfully this was reinstated for most households, but the impact shows how important it is to communicate changes in a timely manner, so older people can make informed decisions about their finances. It’s the sudden changes people tell us are the hardest to navigate.

“We’re calling on the UK Government to increase the value of the Warm Home Discount and to widen eligibility beyond those on means-tested benefits to cover households on low incomes.

“Similarly, the Welsh Government should raise the income thresholds so more older people can qualify for help through the Nest Warm Homes scheme and make their homes warmer. Alongside that, it needs to significantly increase investment in the Warm Homes Programme and give more support to advice services.

“Finally, the UK and Welsh Governments should explore options for expanding Wales and UK-based energy production, to ensure long-term energy security.”

The report also recommends that water companies tell older customers about the cheapest way to pay for water and, wherever possible, move them onto it automatically. It calls for better access to advice for older people and unpaid carers, fair and consistent social care charging, and greater awareness of broadband social tariffs.

Anyone worried about paying their energy bills this winter can get help and guidance by calling Age Cymru Advice on 0300 303 44 98, Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm.

You can read the full report on the Age Cymru website, at www.agecymru.wales, or to find out how to get a paper copy, you can call 0300 303 44 98.

*Name and age changed to protect identity.