Elderly death rates linked to pensions?
In 2011, death rates among Britain’s over 85s spiked. Now, an Oxford University study has linked that increase to austerity measures taken by the coalition Government of the time.
According to a paper published in March, in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, reduced spending on pension credits may have had a far-reaching impact on low-income pensioners. It could have led to more anxiety-related heart attacks and strokes, or illnesses resulting from having less money to go on food and heating.
Lead researcher Dr Rachel Loopstra, from Oxford University, said: “It is widely believed that pensioners have been spared from austerity measures. But the data suggests that, especially for low-income pensioners, support has been cut and eligibility tightened and these cuts may have been linked to rising mortality in this vulnerable population.”
2011’s sharp death rate increase has been followed by subsequent rises, unusual against the backdrop of long-term reductions. Additionally, the study pointed out that when the winter fuel allowance was introduced in the 1990s there was a decline in winter deaths.
A Department of Work and Pensions spokesperson said the study was “completely misleading”, adding: “The truth is that minimum income from Pension Credit has increased every year in line with earnings or more.”
Tags: Government, Oxford University, pensions