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1.5 million British pensioners 'living in food poverty'

More than 1.5 million pensioners in the UK are now living in food poverty and are set to be hit the hardest this winter, according to new research. The study shows that over one million over 65s are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

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More than a million pensioners 'malnourished'

More than one million over 65s in the UK are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, according to new figures released by the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

The study shows:

  • A quarter (22%) of older people in the UK have had to make cut-backs on food over the past three years.
  • More than one million are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition because they are struggling to afford basic nutritious food.
  • Average annual food bill for over 65s will rise by an additional £297 by the end of 2018 - more than any other demographic.
  • Single pensioners on the lowest incomes will have seen the most dramatic percentage rise in their winter food bill since 2008.

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