The cost of living: the impact on health and wellbeing
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Healthwatch Lincolnshire wanted to understand what impact the rising cost of living has had on the people of Lincolnshire, particularly on their health, wellbeing and ability to access essential health and care services. They undertook a survey to which 327 people responded.
Four in five agreed that the cost of living was causing them worry or feel anxious. Nearly seven in ten reported a decline in their mental health and half in their physical health.
People made the following changes to their health and social care:
- Avoided going to the dentist because of the cost
- Avoided buying over the counter medications
- Stopped a special diet needed for a medical condition
- Stopped or cut down support from private services such as physiotherapy and counselling.
Respondents had also made changes to their general lifestyle, which included:
- Putting on more clothes than normal to stay warm
- Not turning on the heating when they usually would
- Turning off or avoiding using an essential appliance to save on energy costs
- Reduced how much food they eat and buy
People who were particularly affected included carers, people with a disability or long term condition, and those on means-tested or disability benefits.