New research indicates that half a million older adults in Scotland may face fuel insecurity, highlighting the intersection of food, fuel, and financial hardship.

A study published in the European Journal of Public Health reveals that fuel, food, and financial insecurity are widespread across Scotland, with over 1 in 10 adults experiencing all three simultaneously. Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the University of Stellenbosch analyzed survey data from 4,203 Scottish adults collected in 2023. The findings suggest that approximately half a million older adults in the country may be struggling with fuel insecurity.

Multidimensional Poverty and Public Health

The research team, led by Dr. Aravinda Guntupalli, argues that traditional income-based poverty measures fail to capture the full scope of hardship. By adopting a 'multidimensional poverty' framework, the study examines how individuals struggle to meet basic needs across fuel, food, and financial domains. The authors contend that the cost-of-living crisis should be treated as a significant public health issue rather than an exclusively economic one, as these insecurities drive health inequality. Data indicates that fuel insecurity—defined as the inability to heat homes adequately or falling behind on energy bills—is the most prevalent form of hardship, affecting 58% of survey respondents. Meanwhile, 28% of participants reported food insecurity, such as skipping meals or reducing portions, and 22% reported financial insecurity, including the inability to pay bills or manage debt.

Discrepancies in Reported Insecurity

The study identified a notable disconnect between perceived and actual financial strain, particularly among older adults. While those aged 65 and over are more likely to have incomes below minimum thresholds, they were less likely to report financial insecurity compared to younger and middle-aged adults. Researchers suggest this tendency to underreport may mask the true scale of need among the elderly population. This is a point of concern for the authors, as older adults often have greater heating requirements due to reduced mobility, chronic health conditions, and spending more time at home. The researchers emphasize that Scotland’s anti-poverty strategy must account for the intersectionality of these insecurities to effectively support those at risk and alleviate pressure on the national health system.