'I'm 80 and run to keep warm as I can't afford heating, pensioners aren't all rich'

Sheila, a pensioner in her 80s, is one of hundreds of thousands of retirees on a "poverty pension", as dubbed by the Living Wage Foundation. She hasn't been able to turn on the heating for three years now and instead goes for a run every day in a bid to keep warm.

She said: "It's tough, really tough. Everyone thinks older people are all rich, but it's just not true. Our pension barely covers the basics, so there is no room for anything extra. The hardest trade-offs have been between heating and eating because that's what it comes down to in the winter."

Research by the Living Wage Foundation has found rising living costs are preventing people from enjoying their golden years, with 54% of pensioners on a low income becoming miserable and stressed as they struggle to keep up with bills and financial commitments in retirement.

While most low income retirees don't have a workplace pension to draw on, relying almost entirely on the income they receive from state pension, 42% of them considered themselves to be middle or high earners for most of their working lives. But those with a workplace pension, even if on a low income, were less likely to be struggling.

Sheila added: "When something breaks, the boiler, fridge, or I need a new pair of shoes, I panic, because I know I can't just replace it. The constant stress and worry chips away at you. Living on my own also makes it harder. There's no one to share bills with, no family to lean on.

"I would say, we pensioners are not asking for luxuries, we just want enough to get by. We worked, we paid in, and now we're left to struggle."

The research found that 40% of low income pensioners are relying on benefits or money from friends, family or partner just to get by. While one in five are in some level of debt in retirement.

One in seven reported falling behind with bills or rent and having to take out payday loans or skip meals to cover essentials. All of this is also taking a toll on their wellbeing, with roughly a quarter saying it makes them more anxious or has worsened their sleep.

Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: "These findings show the tough reality for too many pensioners who, after a lifetime of work, are still left without enough to live on. No one should be worrying about putting the heating on when it's cold or boiling the kettle for a cup of tea.

"The good news is, there's a simple way that employers can play their part in tackling pensioner poverty. Our Living Pension standard sets out the contribution level needed for a decent standard of living in retirement and it's been brilliant to see more and more employers signing up so that their employees can look forward to a retirement with dignity and security."