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independentage.bsky.social
Independent Age
@independentage.bsky.social
360 followers 120 following 400 posts
UK charity tackling the hidden reality of poverty in later life with advice, campaigns and grants.

Call our free Helpline on 0800 319 6789
https://www.independentage.org/
Posts Replies Media Videos
independentage.bsky.social
As winter brings colder weather and darker nights, older people can face additional challenges

Our professional Winterwise training sessions sponsored by UKPN are a great way to learn how to help older people stay warm, safe and well
https://www.independentage.org/advice-training-for-professionals
A quote from a Winterwise training participant reads: One of the shorter courses I've taken, but likely to be one of the most useful. This training is a must for anyone needing to familiarise themself with Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance.
December 8, 2025 at 8:19 AM
independentage.bsky.social
Too many older people aren't receiving the support they're entitled to but you can help.

Worried someone you know is missing out? Look through our handy advice for helping them check:
https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/advice-for-friends-family-and-carers/helping-someone-to-claim-benefits
Two speech bubbles show a conversation between two people. One says: I just don't know how I'll cope. The other replies: things are hard but you're not alone. There is support out there.
December 7, 2025 at 3:59 PM
independentage.bsky.social
We partner with organisations across the UK to ensure older people experiencing financial hardship can access the advice and support they need in their local communities.

Want to stay updated on future grant opportunities? Sign up to our mailing list:
https://www.independentage.org/grant-making
Green background with white text. Independent Age logo in top left. Large quotation marks beside a testimonial: "The project has made a huge difference to many older people lives. From increasing their income to providing support to access other services." The quote is attributed to Girlington Advice Centre, a Bradford Boosting Advice Fund grant recipient.
December 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM
independentage.bsky.social
When Mohamed turned 70, he wanted to mark the milestone by giving back. He has now run three London Marathons, all for Independent Age.

Read Mohamed’s story and discover how you can start your own fundraising journey:
https://www.independentage.org/support-us/fundraising/mohamed
A quote on a green background from "Mohamed" reads: "I'm proud to do something for vulnerable people. It's a privilege to be able to help others less fortunate than we are and I am really impressed by how Independent Age is run." The Independent Age logo is at the top left. A circular inset photo on the right shows an older person smiling. At the bottom, there are stick figures in motion, resembling two people running.
December 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM
independentage.bsky.social
It takes advisers on average two hours to help someone complete an Attendance Allowance form.

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we're calling on the UK Govt to simplify the application process for support.
https://www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/jumping-through-hoops
A word cloud of adjectives show the experiences of the Attendance Allowance form. It includes descriptions such as: nightmare, complex, onerous, difficult, complicated, long-winded, overwhelming, torturous, long, daunting, confusing, extensive, chunky, awful, soul-destroying and long.
December 3, 2025 at 8:29 AM
independentage.bsky.social
Whether you're fundraising, volunteering or donating, your generosity means we can continue our vital work making sure older people in financial hardship receive the support they need.

This #GivingTuesday, help us be there for more older people:
https://www.independentage.org/donate
A quote form an anonymous older Helpline caller reads: I really don't think I would have sent the form in if it wasn't for Independent Age.
December 2, 2025 at 7:59 AM
independentage.bsky.social
The end of November marked #EqualPayDay.

While poverty affects almost two million of all older people across the UK, older women are disproportionately impacted.

In a new blog, we explore the hidden cost of inequality and the action we need to see:
medium.com/independent-...
Two stick figures hold up bar charts above them that illustrate the levels of poverty among older women. In 2022, this was 20%. The projection for 2040 shows this rising to 26%.
December 1, 2025 at 8:24 AM
independentage.bsky.social
Our new report reveals how the #CostOfLivingCrisis remains a relentless challenge for many older people on a low income, squeezing budgets and stripping away their quality of life.

The UK Govt must act on this serious issue. https://www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/surviving-not-living
A flashing police light illustrates a quote from Carol, 70: How about 'permanent cost-of-living crisis'? Because that's how it feels.
November 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Independent Age
morganvine.bsky.social
Great to spend time with the @unison.org.uk Greater London Retired Members Group yesterday. I shared a bit about @independentage.bsky.social, the services we provide to older people on a low income, the insight they share with us, and the changes they need to see
November 27, 2025 at 7:39 PM
independentage.bsky.social
You can change lives.

Millions of older people in the UK face financial hardship. Independent Age provides free advice and support, but we need your help.

Get inspired by Helen’s fundraising story and start your own challenge:
https://www.independentage.org/support-us/fundraising/helen
A person wearing a white "Independent Age" t-shirt holds a red charity collection bucket. The bucket has a blue label with the words "Independent Age" and "Thank you," along with the website "independentage.org."
November 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM
independentage.bsky.social
Our Winterwise guide, sponsored by UK Power Networks is full of advice for older people on how to keep well over winter. It is split over three sections:

✅ Staying warm
✅Staying safe
✅ Staying well

Download or order a free copy: https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/winterwise
A promotional image for Independent Age's "Winterwise" guide, featuring an older person wearing a black beret, purple coat, and white scarf. The guide aims to provide advice on staying warm, safe, and well during winter, supported by UK Power Networks. The background shows trees and blurred park scenery. The logos of Independent Age and UK Power Networks are visible.
November 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
independentage.bsky.social
The UK Government has missed an opportunity in the #AutumnBudget to tackle pensioner poverty and support the two million older people forced to make drastic choices each day to get by across the UK.

www.independentage.org/uk-autumn-bu...
Two stick figures each hold up a bar chart showing the number of older people living in poverty in the UK. The figure representing 2022 shows that there were 2.1 million older people in poverty while this is projected to rise to 3.9 million in 2040.
November 26, 2025 at 2:26 PM
independentage.bsky.social
"I have to decide whether I eat, or heat the bungalow"

Fuel poverty is forcing too many older people to make desperate choices about their essentials.

On #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay, the UK Govt must ensure those in greatest need are protected.
medium.com/independent-...
Snowflake and thermometer icons illustrate text which reads: An energy social tariff would lift 360,000 older households out of fuel poverty.
November 26, 2025 at 10:16 AM
independentage.bsky.social
With the Budget this week, the UK Govt has an opportunity to ensure that everyone can live with dignity and purpose in older age.

By joining us as a campaigner, you can help us call for an end to pensioner poverty. Together we can #MakeAgeingFair.
https://www.independentage.org/make-ageing-fair
November 25, 2025 at 3:44 PM
independentage.bsky.social
As part of our Surviving not living report launch, we hosted a webinar to share insights from our research.

Campaigner Paul shared his own experiences of how soaring household costs are devastating the budgets of older people on a low income.
www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...
Paul, an older man with white hair and wearing a blue fleece sits at a wooden table. He's looking at a laptop in front of him as he takes part in an Independent Age webinar.
November 25, 2025 at 8:40 AM
independentage.bsky.social
Last week, we joined @crisis-uk.bsky.social and other organisations in calling on the UK Government to act and ensure that Housing Benefit matches the true cost of rent.

Your voice matters. Ask your MP to stand up for older renters today: campaigns.independentage.org/page/180937/...
A man and a woman are stood in Parliament Square, Big Ben can be seen behind them. They both hold placards calling for the UK Government to support older renters and unfreeze housing benefit.
November 24, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Reposted by Independent Age
rmcentre.org.uk
Sara was one of many people that find themselves under severe stress through uncertainty and not knowing where to turn.

We're very proud to be able to able to provide that support through this project and ensure people are supported into stability an independence
independentage.bsky.social Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 17d
When Sara faced housing uncertainty, RMC were there to advocate for her and help her get support.

With our grant-making, we’re proud to support @rmcentre.org.uk and other charities helping older people in financial hardship.

Read Sara's story: rmcentre.org.uk/news/equal-r...
A handwritten note displayed on a window reads, "My community helped me find friends. - Helped me find home." It is framed with a patterned border and accompanied by logos for "Independent Age" and "RMC." Text below "Sara's story" appears in a green box at the bottom.
November 21, 2025 at 4:18 PM
independentage.bsky.social
Looking for a challenge?

Why not take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon while helping our vital work supporting older people facing financial hardship! We'll help you every step of the way 🏃‍♂️

Find out more:
https://www.independentage.org/get-involved/london-landmarks-half-marathon-2026
Icon of a stick figure running. A quote from Grace, an Independent Age fundraiser reads: Though it's been tough at times, I am truly grateful to be fundraising for such a deserving cause. Independent Age have a huge positive impact.
November 23, 2025 at 2:59 PM
independentage.bsky.social
CEO @joanna-elson.bsky.social: Our new research paints a stark picture: far too many older people on low incomes are simply surviving, not living.

But the government has the power to change this. We need meaningful support for older people in next week's Budget.
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Older people are surviving, not living. The autumn budget cannot ignore pensioners
Around two million pensioners are currently living in poverty. Independent Age is calling for government action this autumn budget.
www.bigissue.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Reposted by Independent Age
bigissue.com
Around two million pensioners are currently living in poverty. Independent Age is calling for government action this autumn budget.
Older people are surviving, not living. The autumn budget cannot ignore pensioners
www.bigissue.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:49 PM
independentage.bsky.social
When Sara faced housing uncertainty, RMC were there to advocate for her and help her get support.

With our grant-making, we’re proud to support @rmcentre.org.uk and other charities helping older people in financial hardship.

Read Sara's story: rmcentre.org.uk/news/equal-r...
A handwritten note displayed on a window reads, "My community helped me find friends. - Helped me find home." It is framed with a patterned border and accompanied by logos for "Independent Age" and "RMC." Text below "Sara's story" appears in a green box at the bottom.
November 21, 2025 at 3:12 PM
independentage.bsky.social
The rise in energy prices will come during the height of winter and could be devastating.

Older people are sleeping in coats and seeking warmth in public places. They need and deserve protection from sky-high energy costs.

The UK Govt can change this.
www.independentage.org/news-media/p...
An anonymous quote reads: My energy bills are costing me two weeks' worth of my State Pension. It means I'm living off £35 a week for food.
November 21, 2025 at 9:58 AM
independentage.bsky.social
"The cost of living - more appropriately the cost of existing - has left me physically and mentally exhausted."

Older people on a low income shouldn't have to exhaust their savings to get by. The UK Govt must act to ensure we can all afford our essentials
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
Pensioners 'in despair' as they turn to desperate measures to cover bills
Older people have told how they are taking desperate measures to pay unexpected bills with research revealing one in five on a low income would find a £50 emergency cost 'impossible or difficult' to c...
www.mirror.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 5:05 PM
independentage.bsky.social
#CarersRightDay: The overly-complex Carer's Allowance application process leaves the majority of applicants without any financial gain.

But not applying can risk older people missing out on other vital support.

The process must be simplified and improved. www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...
An illustrated piggy bank has been broken, a hammer lies next to it. A quote from an Independent Age adviser reads: There is definitely a massive gap between older people are entitled to and what they receive.
November 20, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Reposted by Independent Age
morganvine.bsky.social
This week @independentage.bsky.social launched our new report looking at the impact high household costs are continuing to have on older people who are living on a low income #pensioner #pensioners #ageing #olderpeople
independentage.bsky.social Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 20d
Being able to afford your household bills is essential to living a dignified life.

Despite this, our new research reveals the shocking scale of older people having to make impossible choices between paying bills and affording their essentials.
www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...
An older woman with grey hair and a striped shirt sits in a beige armchair, holding a banknote. Text reads: Surviving not living. The impact of persistently high household costs on older people living on a low income.
November 19, 2025 at 10:51 PM