Charity warns one in three over-50s struggling with costs, healthcare delays and digital exclusion

AGE CYMRU has launched a manifesto calling on political parties to tackle what it describes as “the crisis people don’t see” facing older people across Wales ahead of the Senedd elections in May.

The national charity for older people says rising living costs, pressure on NHS and care services, poor transport links and digital exclusion are leaving many pensioners struggling day-to-day and feeling increasingly isolated.

By 2030, more than 1.3 million people in Wales will be aged over fifty – around forty per cent of the population.

But despite making up a growing share of the country, the charity says too many older people are being “pushed to the margins”.

Age Cymru’s annual survey found nearly half (46%) of older people struggled with the cost of living in the past year, with sixty-two per cent cutting back on essentials such as heating and food.

Access to healthcare is also deteriorating. Half of respondents said they had difficulty securing GP appointments, with waits of four weeks or more now common. More than half of those seeking social care described the process as difficult or very difficult.

Digital exclusion is another growing concern. Thirty-one per cent of people aged over seventy-five in Wales have no internet access at home – roughly double the UK average – meaning many cannot easily access services that have moved online.

Manifesto demands

The charity is calling on the next Welsh Government to deliver seven key changes:

• Easier access to health services
• Timely, quality social care
• Action on pensioner poverty
• Reliable public transport
• Stronger community connections and Equality Act compliance
• Offline access to services for those without digital skills
• Support to keep homes warm

Real lives affected

For Terry Lemington, 72, from South Wales, the problems are personal.

While caring for his late wife, he said he was unaware of support he could have received until just ten weeks before she died.

“It wasn’t until ten weeks before my wife passed away that I was told I could have had additional support to help me care for her,” he said.

“That included a stairlift, which in the end was due to be fitted on the day she passed away. I just wasn’t aware of the support that was available.”

Terry, who does not drive, says limited bus services leave him cut off.

“There are hourly buses to larger towns and a small village bus, but they finish at mid-day on Saturday and there is nothing on Sunday. I’m completely cut off,” he added.

“Right now it feels like older people are pushed to the margins. But we still have so much to contribute.”

Economic impact

Victoria Lloyd, Chief Executive of Age Cymru, said the issue was not only moral but economic.

“These stories are sadly all too common,” she said.

“Older people contribute around £2 billion a year to the Welsh economy, whether through paid work, childcare for families or volunteering.

“Investing in the health and wellbeing of older people is an investment in Wales as a whole.”

She added that while the Welsh Government’s Age Friendly Wales strategy had made progress, more decisive action was needed.

“We’re calling on all parties seeking votes this year to read our manifesto and ensure older people are properly considered in their policies and promises.”

Vehicle leaves carriageway near Johnston as emergency services close road for over an hour

POLICE were called at 9.15pm on Tuesday (Feb 3) following reports of a road traffic collision on the A4076 between Johnston and Steynton.

A blue Audi A3 left the carriageway and travelled onto the grass verge at the side of the road.

Emergency services attended the scene and the male driver was taken to hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries has not been confirmed.

The road was temporarily closed while the vehicle was recovered and the area made safe.

It reopened at 10.55pm.

A NEW national report has laid bare the growing pressures facing nurses and midwives in Wales, with concerns over pay, burnout and lack of professional development threatening the long-term future of the workforce.

The findings, published by the Nursing and Midwifery Council in its Spotlight on Nursing and Midwifery 2025 report, show that while many nurses remain deeply committed to their roles, large numbers feel undervalued, overstretched and reluctant to recommend the profession to others.

Responding to the report, Royal College of Nursing Wales said the data should act as a wake-up call for government and health boards.

Professor Sandy Harding, Associate Director of Nursing, Policy and Professional Development at RCN Wales, said:

“We welcome the determination and commitment shown by our existing nurses in Wales, with more than half surveyed saying they are satisfied with their day-to-day work and motivated by making a difference to people’s lives. However, the findings also present a stark reflection of the poor health of nursing in Wales.

“Too many nurses are not recommending the profession to others, are struggling and are facing abuse and discrimination in the workplace.”

Pay falling behind responsibility

One of the most pressing concerns raised in the report is pay.

Nursing leaders say salaries have failed to keep pace with the growing complexity of the job, heavier caseloads and the rising cost of living, leaving many staff feeling undervalued and financially squeezed.

For some, the pressure is forcing difficult decisions about staying in the profession or reducing hours.

RCN Wales argues that without meaningful improvements to pay, recruitment and retention will continue to suffer, placing further strain on already stretched hospital wards, community services and care settings.

Training and career progression gaps

The report also highlights inconsistent access to continuing professional development, with many nurses struggling to secure protected time or funding for further training.

According to the union, this not only limits career progression but risks undermining patient care in the long term.

Harding said: “Access to protected time and funding for continuing professional development remains inconsistent, undermining both career progression and the sustainability of the workforce.

“RCN Wales believes this is unacceptable and we will continue to support nurses and fight for fair pay, meaningful investment in professional development and better working conditions across Wales.”

Commitment remains strong

Despite the challenges, the report does note strong dedication among nursing staff.

More than half of those surveyed said they were satisfied with their day-to-day work and remained motivated by the difference they make to patients’ lives.

Health leaders say that commitment is a strength the NHS in Wales cannot afford to lose.

With around 35,000 members in Wales, the Royal College of Nursing says it will continue pressing ministers to address what it describes as a “workforce crisis” before it deepens further.

The union is calling for fairer pay settlements, safer staffing levels and guaranteed investment in training to ensure nursing remains an attractive and sustainable career.