The Dispatches programme revealed that 1.8 million older people turned off their heating completely this winter to cut down on gas or electricity, amid rising energy costs. The exclusive National Energy Action poll commissioned by Channel 4 found that one in five (19%) over 65s went to bed earlier than usual for warmth. if I don’t put the heating on, I’ll die.” It takes getting your head around it, you just can't work it out."Īsked if he ever feels sad, John said: "You should say 'do you ever feel happy?' Because I'm sad all the time."ĭoreen, 68, at her home in Tynemouth (Image: Channel 4)Īfter being admitted to hospital with pneumonia, which she attributes in part to her cold conditions, she said: “The heating, it costs more. Family, if you lose one or two it's bad enough, but if you lose all of them you're completely on your own and it's just a nightmare. He added: "I've got no family, never been married, no kids. The heart-wrenching programme showed John - a former shipyard worker - even laying out his funeral arrangements, last will and testament and a set of numbers on his settee before bed in case of his death. I haven't even got any relations anywhere, I’m just here, that’s it. John lives alone in the Pallion home he used to share with his parents, siblings and their pets and explained his anxiety over dealing with his energy costs which had led him to turn off his fridge, and to sit in the dark at night to reserve electricity. Read more: Travel advice for Pink shows released as thousands prepare to flock to Sunderland for Stadium of Light gigs The programme followed three sets of pensioners, including John from Sunderland and Doreen from Tynemouth, across the winter months of 20, as cold snaps combined with high heating and electricity bills make life uncomfortable, lonely and dangerous. The 76-year-old was one of a number pensioners from across the country that appeared in the episode called Britain’s Forgotten Pensioners on Tuesday night. Retired manual worker, John Foster was frightened to put his heating on and turned off his empty fridge and lights due to the rising cost of bills. The financial struggles of a Sunderland pensioner have been highlighted in a Channel 4 Dispatches programme that showed the impact the cost of living crisis has had on the elderly.
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