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An estimated 16 million adults saw less of their friends and family during the cost of living crisis, Which? warns, putting many people’s mental wellbeing at risk according to a survey by Which?
The survey found that three in 10 (31%) said they saw less of friends and family due to financial pressures during the cost of living crisis. This equates to an estimated 16 million adults.
Almost half (48%) of those surveyed also said they spent more time at home during the cost of living crisis. This equates to an estimated 26 million UK adults. The sacrifices of cutting back on seeing family and friends and staying at home to save money is contributing to many feeling more isolated and lonely. Four out of 10 (40%) said they became more distant from their friends and a quarter (25%) of people in a relationship said they experienced significant strain on their relationship with their partner due to the cost of living crisis.
Which?’s research also found that some age groups were more likely than others to feel socially isolated. Younger adults aged 18-34 were almost twice as likely to feel distant from friends than those aged over 55 – with half (50%) of 18-34 years olds saying they felt this way compared to just over a quarter (27%) of those aged 55 or older.
Younger adults were also three times as likely to experience strains in their relationship. Nearly four in 10 (37%) of 18-34 year olds said their relationship with their partner was under significant strain due to the cost of living crisis compared to one in eight (12%) of those aged over 55. This is likely because younger people often have larger existing networks and spend more time socialising than older people. As a result, they may have felt the impact of not being able to see friends more acutely.
People with children at home were also likely to experience feelings of isolation and loneliness compared to those without. Almost half (48%) of those with children at home reported they felt distant from friends compared to four in 10 (40%) of those without and just over a quarter (27%) of those with grown-up children who no longer live at home.
Similarly, a quarter (26%) of those with children at home said their relationship with their partner was under significant strain due to the cost of living crisis compared to one in five (22%) of those without and one in 10 (11%) of those with grown-up children who no longer live at home. This is likely because those with young children are not able to go out with their friends or partners as much as they need to find childcare. With childcare costs also rising, those with young children could find it even more difficult to socialise. They are also likely to feel additional strains on their relationship from the heavier financial burdens of having more dependents.
Despite inflation easing in recent months, many households are still struggling to make ends meet. With winter and higher energy bills fast-approaching, both government and businesses must carefully consider how best to support those most in need to avoid further financial and emotional harm.
Which? is calling on essential businesses – energy firms, broadband providers and supermarkets – to do more to help their customers and ensure they are providing value for money. For example, supermarkets need to make budget line items widely available, particularly in convenience stores, energy firms need to ensure their customer service departments are fully staffed and able to support any customers who are struggling to make ends meet and telecoms firms need to properly advertise their social tariffs to eligible customers.
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said “It’s hugely concerning that millions of people have been isolated from their loved ones during the cost of living crisis – putting their mental and emotional wellbeing at risk.The government and businesses must do everything in their power to support those struggling to make ends meet and protect them from further financial and emotional harm.
“With colder weather fast-approaching, Which? is calling on businesses in essential sectors, like food, energy and telecoms, to do more to help customers get a good deal and avoid unnecessary or unfair costs and charges.”
