That’s according to Age Cymru’s latest annual survey, which found that half of respondents aged 50 and over in Wales identified physical health as a key issue affecting their lives in the past year.
Victoria Lloyd, chief executive of Age Cymru, said: “This year’s findings paint a stark picture of the pressures older people in Wales are facing.
“Physical health and financial wellbeing are deeply interconnected, and we’re hearing from people who are having to make impossible choices, between heating their homes, eating well, and staying socially connected.
“These insights must inform how we shape services and support for older people across Wales.”
Nearly one in three respondents said their health had deteriorated over the year.
The survey also highlighted the impact of limited mobility, with many saying health problems prevented them from getting out, attending appointments, or staying socially engaged.
A lack of reliable public transport was also cited as a factor that further limited mobility and access to support.
The cost of living was the second most common concern, with 46 per cent of those surveyed identifying it as a significant issue.
This is a sharp rise from just nine per cent in 2020.
Almost two-thirds said they had made cutbacks due to financial pressures, including heating their homes less, reducing food spending, and socialising less frequently.
Others reported delaying essential repairs, selling their car, or using credit cards and withdrawing money early from pensions.
The full survey report is available on the Age Cymru website.