Wales is experiencing a significant increase in financial hardship among its older population, according to a newly published study by Age Cymru.
The organisation’s Counting the Cost research reveals that more than half of Welsh residents aged over 50 are now experiencing difficulty meeting everyday expenses.
This figure represents a substantial rise from 46 percent recorded in 2025 and a dramatic increase from just nine percent documented in 2020.
Victoria Lloyd, who serves as chief executive of Age Cymru, highlighted the severity of the situation affecting elderly citizens.
She noted that many individuals have already demonstrated signs of strain from the ongoing financial pressures.
Research indicates that over one-third of older residents have reduced their food expenditure in an attempt to balance their budgets.
Additionally, more than 50 percent of elderly people who implemented changes to their daily habits in order to reduce spending chose to decrease their energy consumption during the past 12 months.
With both food prices and utility costs continuing to climb, those relying on unchanging incomes face extremely limited flexibility, often forcing them to prioritise between essential nutrition and home heating.
Energy expenses emerge as the primary financial burden identified in the study.
Among respondents who altered their lifestyle patterns to achieve savings, 53 percent reported cutting their energy usage as a direct response to financial constraints.
Age Cymru is urging both the UK administration and the Welsh Government to enhance existing assistance programmes and increase investment in energy security measures.
Those seeking guidance and assistance can contact Age Cymru directly on 0300 303 4498.