In news that may be of interest to those seeking extra care, the Consumer Price Index was at 5.2 per cent in September, however, older Britons' living costs are now at 13.7 per cent, according to research conducted by the think-tank Capital Economics for the Telegraph.
It is believed that retired Britons have a tendency to spend a "disproportionate" amount of their household income on heating and lighting their homes which has put increasing pressure on budgets as utilities bills have continued to climb.
Mervyn Kohler, special adviser to the charity Help the Aged, said: "Pensioners are undoubtedly upset when they see the official inflation rate of 5.2 per cent. It just doesn't reflect their experience."
He added that while pensions were fixed, gas prices were up 40 per cent while the cost of food was also rising.
Meanwhile, Paul Dales at Capital Economics claimed that the average retired individual was likely to be "suffering acutely" from these increases.
Elsewhere, Age Concern has recommended Britons ensure they are saving for their later years.
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