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‘I’ve lost 2st and haven’t spoken to another human in three weeks’: Pensioner, 77, who can’t afford to eat, let alone socialise, shares the reality of the cost of living crisis

Last month, Yvonne Bailey realised that it had been three weeks since she had properly spoken to another human being. Once the 77-year-old has paid her bills, she has nothing left over from her pension credit for socialising.
To remedy her isolation the retired receptionist from Oxfordshire accepted an invitation from a friend for a coffee.
‘She paid, but I can’t do that very often because I can’t repay the favour,’ explains Yvonne. ‘A meal out or a trip to the cinema is out of the question. I have no choice but to avoid socialising. I hate it,’ Yvonne told Metro.co.uk.
‘What quality of life is it? Sometimes I sit here and cry.
‘Last week I heated the house twice for half an hour in the evening and I couldn’t believe it – it cost me £10,’ adds Yvonne, who is a widow. ‘I’m just wrapping up warm and wearing layers. I get so cold, I end up going to bed, which I have two duvets on.’
In constant pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia, she used to keep the heating on a low level. However, now unable to afford that, she wears a jacket inside, and relies on hot drinks and soup to stay warm.
‘When I think about, it makes me feel sick,’ admits Yvonne. ‘I get cold, my body seizes up and I end up in even more pain than I am in already.’

Read More: ‘I’ve lost 2st and haven’t spoken to another human in three weeks’