Older people worry about rising energy bills, rent and food costs
Heating or eating
Age UK said there was "a significant and concerning lack of awareness among some respondents" about different ways to save energy.The report said: "Many people told us how they either do not turn on the heating or find many ways to cut back."Polling carried out by Opinium for the charity focused on how older people were managing the cost of living in a time of rising prices.It found that one in four older Londoners said their home was colder than they would like it to be "all of the time" or "most of the time". More than one in three (36%) older Londoners said they felt less financially secure heading into 2025 than at the start of 2024.The government's decision in July make Winter Fuel Payments means-tested, with only households receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits eligible to receive the benefit, has also had an impact.One respondent told Age UK: "Withdrawing the Winter Fuel Payments is a blow. "A lot of struggling pensioners, who have small occupational pensions and a modest amount of savings, are not considered poor enough to qualify for Pension Credit and will lose out and may have to choose between heating and eating."
Margaret, who is retired, told BBC London she had had to sell her jewellery to make ends meet. She said she sold a bracelet and two rings, including her engagement ring, "to a proper jewellers, but I got £127".She added: "But it did mean that at least I had some money until the end of the month, when my pension had run out. How was I going to have dinner for the next week?"Age UK said financial insecurity was leaving some older Londoners in a constant state of anxiety.As well as worries about energy bills, nearly half of respondents reported finding it difficult to "shop around" for more affordable prices and better deals when it comes to food shopping.Some older Londoners are unable to afford repairs and maintenance, leading to vital home repairs being postponed indefinitely.Challenges with accessing the internet, including the cost of getting online, mean that some older Londoners are at greater risk of financial exclusion.The cost of living is leading many older Londoners to continue to work long after pension age or to return to work after a "first retirement", Age UK said.
Worsening isolation
The report said worries included "running out of savings, facing unexpected costs, or losing government support". It states: "They regularly stress over bills, such as energy bills, rent increases and mortgages with many respondents expressing deep distress over financial instability."Some older Londoners are experiencing loss of sleep due to financial worries, and some report that the inability to afford leisure activities and social outings is worsening their isolation."John McGeachy, campaigns manager from Age UK London, told BBC London that the charity spoke to people who had sold their TV or microwave to make ends meet.He said: "One of the things that really upset me reading the research was people putting off meeting up with friends, because they knew they could not afford the journey there - or if you get to the coffee shop and it's £4 for a coffee that's a heck of a lot of money that you could spend on quite a few meals at home."So people missing out on really basic things and that social interaction which is so important to our health."Age UK London wants the government to introduce simplified benefit applications, stronger rent protections and improved mental health support "to help older Londoners navigate financial difficulties with dignity and security".
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The Independent
16 minutes ago
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Hunger-driven A&E admissions spiral amid cost-of-living crisis
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Telegraph
17 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The common antibiotic that could leave you wheelchair-bound
Fluoroquinolones are amongst the most commonly-prescribed antibiotics in the UK, often dispensed for ailments ranging from urinary tract infections to respiratory issues. Prescribed regularly, they are seen by many healthcare professionals as a quick fix for a variety of bacterial infections. But for some patients, the consequences of these medications are nothing short of devastating, leaving them with lifelong disability, wheelchair-bound and, in some cases, even thoughts of suicide. I know this first hand. I'm Nathan Kay, a journalist and editor. I've worked for publications such as The Mail on Sunday, Daily Express and CNN, covering everything from royal news to celebrity gossip. I was a regular 40-something-year-old, living in the city, healthy and active, swimming and gyming regularly, working in a high-stress job. I had a career I loved and a life I was proud of. That was until the day I took an antibiotic that I thought was nothing more than a routine prescription – Ciprofloxacin, a common fluoroquinolone. What followed was a descent into chronic pain, brain fog, and fatigue that I couldn't shake. My life, my career and my relationships were completely altered by an antibiotic more powerful than I could ever have imagined. I am one of the thousands affected by what's known as fluoroquinolone toxicity, or 'being floxed.' It's a term used by patients who have suffered severe, sometimes permanent side effects from these antibiotics. And it's growing. Studies show that fluoroquinolones are prescribed more than 20,000 times a month in the UK, and while the majority of people experience no lasting effects, an alarming number of others, like me, find their lives permanently altered. A significant portion of those affected by fluoroquinolone toxicity, as many as 15 per cent (according to some estimates), experience debilitating symptoms that can persist long after the drug is discontinued, with some patients struggling to find effective treatment. The psychological toll is often ignored, yet research shows a strong correlation between fluoroquinolone use and mental health issues, including depression and suicide. GPs are essentially playing Russian roulette with patient health by prescribing these drugs without fully acknowledging or preparing patients for the life-altering risks they may face. This article aims to highlight the growing problem, with first-hand accounts from patients whose lives have been destroyed by these antibiotics, supported by expert opinions and statistics showing just how many lives are being impacted. The growing issue: What are fluoroquinolones? Fluoroquinolones are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics often used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. They include well-known medications such as Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Moxifloxacin, and are highly effective, able to penetrate different areas of the body to fight infections in the bladder, lungs and skin, among others. Their strength makes them invaluable for certain serious infections – but also potentially dangerous. Professor Munir Pirmohamed, 62, a consultant physician at the Royal Liverpool Hospital and leading pharmacogenetics expert at the University of Liverpool, explains: 'They interfere with the normal functioning of the bacterial cell by inhibiting two main enzymes, DNA gyrase and Topoisomerase IV. The bacteria cannot repair their DNA, and this kills the bacterial cells.' From the start, he notes, it has been known that they can cause tendon problems, most often with the Achilles. But the damage can go further: 'There is concern about FQAD [Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability]. In some people, FQAD represents a life-changing event. The severity, recovery and prognosis vary. There are many theories why these drugs cause the problem, including effects on mitochondria and on the immune system, but none have been proven.' Though fluoroquinolones are prescribed regularly, the risk associated with them is often underestimated. In 2024, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) issued updated guidelines advising that these antibiotics should only be prescribed when other first-line treatments are unsuitable or ineffective. Despite this, there are still over 20,000 prescriptions written for Ciprofloxacin each month in the UK alone. The concerns: The dark side of Fluoroquinolones Fluoroquinolones have been linked to devastating side effects, leaving many patients disabled and in a state of constant suffering. The impact can be profound, with some experiencing chronic pain, fatigue and neurological disorders, all of which can dramatically alter quality of life. For some, the consequences are so severe that they lead to thoughts of suicide. The concern with fluoroquinolones isn't just that they have the potential to cause discomfort – the risks can be life-altering. For 49-year-old recruitment consultant Victoria Abotorabi from Leeds, the consequences were devastating when, in 2024, she was prescribed Ciprofloxacin with prednisolone for a suspected sinus infection. 'The out-of-hours ENT didn't make me aware of the potential side effects – neither did the pharmacy.' Five days in she had pins and needles, and numb arms and hands. A&E checked her heart but not her medication. Two weeks later, she woke with severe head pain and pressure. Tests followed – an MRI and lumbar puncture – but still no review of her antibiotics. At one point, she recalls, 'every single muscle in my body went into spasm.' Victoria's symptoms escalated to the point where she became housebound, and unable to work or care for her children. 'This has completely devastated my life,' she says. 'I have lost my physical and mental health. I have severe PTSD, depression, chronic pain and a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, dysautonomia, FND and digestive issues… A year later, I am still struggling.' She has been referred to a mental health crisis team after suicidal thoughts. 'I couldn't stop crying… I was in so much pain and so scared I was dying, and no one could help me. I tried to end my life because I was in so much physical pain. I have never thought about suicide before.' The psychiatric risks are stark. In one high-profile case, respected cardiologist Dr Robert Stevenson died by suicide shortly after starting Ciprofloxacin. A coroner concluded the drug's psychiatric effects – including depression and suicidal thoughts – contributed to his death. The science behind the damage Dr Richard Berwick, 36, consultant in pain medicine at the Walton Centre and a Versus Arthritis clinical training fellow at the University of Liverpool, explains one theory as to why fluoroquinolones may be particularly harmful because of their ability to damage cells at the mitochondrial level. 'During an FQ toxicity reaction, cell mitochondria (the cell powerhouse) might be disrupted, causing cells to become injured, especially nerves and muscles. They can also block nerve channels leading to altered brain function,' he explains. This disruption can lead to long-term symptoms that continue long after the medication is stopped. As Dr Thuva Amuthan, 34, a general practitioner, further elaborates: 'Even a short course can, in rare cases, lead to long-term problems with tendons, muscles, joints, nerves and sometimes mood and memory. Early recognition of symptoms is vital.' The people suffering from a lifelong struggle For me, fluoroquinolone toxicity left me virtually bedridden for six months, unable to move and feeling poisoned. I've improved to about 80 per cent of my previous health, but never fully recovered. At the same time, a quad bike accident left me with multiple fractures, compounding my ongoing pain. Outwardly, I may look fine, but daily fatigue and discomfort remain constant companions. For Myles Washington, 38, a former personal trainer from the Isle of Wight, the ordeal began at 14, when he was given a fluoroquinolone for what was likely an allergy. At 24, he was prescribed another course for a misdiagnosed condition. 'It completely destroyed my health and changed the course of my life,' he says. 'I lost my career, my dreams and my identity.' He has since endured torn ligaments, chronic fatigue, tendon ruptures and nerve symptoms. 'This isn't just a temporary side effect,' he says. 'It's long-term, progressive damage.' Jeremy Maddock, 57, who runs an architectural practice in Devon, was floxed after taking Ciprofloxacin for a presumed infection. The side effects left him crawling upstairs and barely able to walk. 'The pain has moved around nearly every part of my body. I suffered psychological stress and suicidal ideation way beyond the normal realms of anxiety.' Years later he lives more normally, but must take extreme care to avoid relapse. He credits the Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Support UK Facebook group with 'probably saving lives.' Treatment – or the lack of it There is no standard treatment protocol for fluoroquinolone toxicity. Dr Berwick says supportive care is key, with therapies to help people live better despite symptoms. Some may use anti-neuropathic painkillers, though these bring their own side effects. Only one specialist in England can formally diagnose the condition. Many patients, says Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Support UK Facebook group co-founder Miriam Knight, 73, are steered towards expensive, unproven alternative therapies. 'Steer very well clear,' she advises. 'There are absolutely no guarantees except that the clinic will make money.' Professor Pirmohamed agrees, adding that: 'Many people are being offered untested and untried treatments, which can be expensive and potentially dangerous. I am not convinced there is enough evidence to recommend them.' I've tried B12 injections and quarterly vitamin-and-magnesium IV treatments myself. They help briefly, but offer no long-term fix. What's next? The road to change Research is underway, but funding is scarce. Professor Pirmohamed calls for dedicated investment to define the condition, identify genetic risk factors and develop diagnostic tests and treatments – all with strong patient involvement. I took part in the APIF study into autoimmune phenotyping in fibromyalgia, run by the University of Liverpool and The Walton Centre NHS University Hospital. Dr Berwick explains that he observed two fluoroquinolone toxicity patients in the study had temperature sensitivity, which is often seen in fibromyalgia. He noticed that the participants who develop fibromyalgia-type syndromes after fluoroquinolones report heightened cold sensitivity, and cold exposure can exacerbate pain. It's a link that suggests there could be an affected sensory-nerve or central-sensitisation pathway in fluoroquinolone toxicity patients, and researchers are now actively investigating that. Genetics may also play a role, making some people inherently more prone to long-term reactions. What can you do? If prescribed a fluoroquinolone, ask about alternatives. Ensure your doctor knows of any conditions that may make you more vulnerable. When you're offered a fluoroquinolone, ask your GP whether safer first-line antibiotics are suitable – and check for red-flag risk factors if you're aged over 60, suffer from renal impairment, have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, suffer from autoimmune diseases, have a history of tendon problems or have had an organ transplant. These groups face higher odds of serious side effects. If you take a fluoroquinolone, report any tendon pain, weakness, dizziness or mood changes immediately. For those already affected, community support is vital. Miriam Knight's group, founded in 2015, offers a lifeline to sufferers, reassuring them they are not alone or 'going mad.' Members share advice and comfort, without giving direct medical recommendations.
Times
17 minutes ago
- Times
How to help men make friends — in a field in Devon
It's Saturday night and eight middle-aged men gather in a field in south Devon, many of them strangers. At first they exchange awkward handshakes, but these soon become arm-locks. This is a self-defence class with a deeper mission. By the end of the session they're laughing, hugging and talking like old friends. Combat drills become camaraderie. Leading the charge is Ben Stafford-Davies, 33, who turns muddy fields into modern-day meeting grounds. His quest? To teach men the lost art of friendship — through old-school meet ups, sparring, ice baths, DIY skills and the great outdoors, they're re-igniting a lost art for male souls, forgotten by many since days in the playground. Originally from South Africa, Stafford-Davies landed in England in 2011 not knowing many people. 'London was lonely,' he admits. He yearned for the type of community that he'd left 6,000 miles away in his homeland. After a stint teaching, Covid gave him time to reflect and commit to becoming a men's coach. He and his wife, Francesca, 37, set their sights on Devon, and in 2023, after months of searching, they found a three-quarters of an acre plot close to the small coastal town of Wembury, near to Plymouth Sound, Devon. For Ben, who calls himself a 'man of nature', it was perfect: 11 fruit trees, four green houses and a polytunnel. 'We were told viewings and blind bids had to be in within days, and we couldn't get down in time. So, we took a monumental leap of faith, bidding £78,050 — our entire life savings, for a piece of land unseen. The same day, we got the call: it was ours!' The couple packed their bags and moved with ambitions of off-grid living. Part of that dream involved a tiny house as a symbol of their minimalist, sustainable values, which was made more meaningful after they got engaged in one. 'Sadly, it wasn't to be,' Ben said. 'Regulations mean that as soon as you are seen to be living permanently on the land you change its 'use case' from agricultural to residential, and that requires planning approval — even having a toothbrush and a bottle of milk inside a tiny home would have been deemed as someone living there. Added to that were some unexpected costs amounting to another £50,000,' he says. Instead they bought and converted a Ford Transit van, affectionately named Doris, which allowed them to split their time between their land and a family-owned flat in Kingsbridge, 45 minutes away. The property is as an Airbnb when they're staying on site. 'Living in the van is quite freeing — the land is a real diamond. We didn't even know that you could see the sea when we bought it!' he laughs. 'At night we fall asleep to owls hooting and waves rolling in. It's pure serenity.' The relocation revealed a dark truth, however. 'Moving from London to a rural community, I saw how the male loneliness crisis was even more stark than I'd realised. One in three UK men have no close friends. This loneliness fuels horrifying male suicide rates — the leading cause of death for men aged under 50, with mental health efforts often intervening too late,' he says. An Office for National Statistics report from 2023 shows that the suicide rate for men in England and Wales has risen — it increased to 17.4 deaths per 100,000, the highest rate in 26 years. There is an undeniable decline in public spaces for men to gather. There are fewer working men's clubs and church attendance is falling; with cost of living spikes, many men can't afford a daily pint at the pub either. His solution? Invested Friends — a grassroots movement that blends practical activities with genuine connection. 'If we can make friends while doing something productive, we'd be prioritising our friendships more. Most men have one emotional safe space — their partner,' Ben observes. 'That's beautiful, but unsustainable. It leads to compassion fatigue.' He is clear that what he offers is not therapy but a way to build practical connections, and kill two birds with one stone by saving money with a skills swap. 'We do spearfishing, whiskey tasting, exercises sessions, camper van hangouts, ultimate frisbee and sit around a campfire. Added to this is that we help each other to save money by trading expertise for free.' These connections have kept countless men from slipping into depression, the field serving as a meeting place and a sanctuary. 'In essence it's many things. One aspect is leveraging the Ben Franklin effect, which demonstrates that those who ask for help make themselves more likeable and seemingly open to friendship. Our WhatsApp group is a place where men can express their need for help, and others respond,' Ben says. DIY Wednesdays are another feature. Although not the most typical way to build lifelong friendships, they lean into that idea that men become pals by sharing experiences. 'We have a group where we all pitch in to help share the load of DIY jobs — so far we have joined forces to sort out welding and rust proofing, we've painted a van, cleared out and sorted a workshop, put up cabinets and installed a new Ikea kitchen — all while chatting and deepening our friendships.' Ben keeps costs to a minimum by asking participants to take turns leading workshops. There is a 60-day free trial, after which members are 'invested', with a monthly fee of £5. Only the 'sexy events', such as the popular 'fire and ice' sessions — sauna followed by ice baths and breath work — carry a bigger cost, which helps to sustain the project. There are camp outs too. One involved an early morning wake-up followed by six hours in the water spearfishing. 'We didn't catch much but we did chat a lot!' he laughs. Reaching out and growing the community is done digitally, through Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, but it's not long after an online connection is made that it transforms into a real-life one. 'As to what makes a good life, history shows it's not money, success, status or fame. The strongest predictor for a happy existence is solid friendships, and that's why I'll continue doing this, because what matters more than happiness?' Ben says. And under a Devon sky in a simple field, there's a quiet revolution happening. Men are making friends, one bear hug and one activity at a time.
