At the age of 60, my strong, resilient mother took her own life. 

She was struggling with overwhelming financial stress, and because she was just a few years too young to retire, she missed out on any support. 

I don’t want anyone else to have to go through this heartache because of money. I'd do anything to have my mother back. She shouldn't have felt so trapped.

My Mother’s Story

Despite working strenuously as a carer and even running a small dog-sitting business to pay for her mortgage, as a recently single woman she fell between the cracks of the system.

The eligibility rules for benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit unfairly excluded her, simply because of her age and circumstances, and the Citizens Advice Bureau offered no help without a fee up-front.

On top of her care work she decided to rent out rooms, but this had its own issues. She was robbed at one point, and had people disappear without paying the rent, which made her feel unsafe in her own home. She had a mortgage and had managed to get by until interest rates went up.

The cost of living was rising and she was using food banks. She tried to keep juggling these things as well as working as much as she could, but she always seemed to be struggling to make ends meet.

If my mum had a rented property she would have been entitled to housing benefit, but because she owned her house they wouldn't help her. She applied for PIP a few times and was told she wasn’t poorly enough to qualify for help.

She had this desperate look in her eye whenever we saw her. The anxiety caused by the strain was overwhelming her, and she stated several times ‘financially I'd be better off dead’.

We laughed this off because my mum wasn't a quitter. She always found a way, and I never ever thought she would do what she did.  

My mum was such a high-spirited, happy woman with a great sense of humour. She always made everyone laugh and was a very charismatic person. She lit up rooms. 

But she slowly became sad, drained and anxious — to the point that she never spoke about anything but money and the insecurity of her mortgage. She was tired and felt like she just was never going to catch a break. Her health was slowly slipping away as well as her peace of mind.

The system and the cost of living made my mum give up on life. The last thing she said to me was ‘don’t worry, I won’t stress you out anymore’. 

Now she has two daughters who miss her so much and two grandchildren who don't understand. As well as one grandchild she'll never get to meet.

An Invisible Crisis Facing Over-60s

My mother’s struggles mirror those of countless individuals over 60 who are grappling with financial difficulties and deteriorating health. 

We must shed light on the invisible crisis of the high suicide rates among the older generations, due to financial pressures and inadequate support. Data from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) reveals that suicide rates among over-60 age groups have risen significantly over the past decade.

This crisis demands immediate and effective changes in our system. Let's bring awareness and support for those above 60.

I urgently call on the UK government to:

1. Immediately review and reform eligibility criteria for Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to ensure individuals aged 60 and over who are self-employed, carers, or single without dependents are no longer unfairly excluded from vital financial support.
2. Provide dedicated mental health counselling services for people aged 60 and over, specifically targeting those experiencing financial hardship or social isolation.

These changes will provide urgently needed support, dignity, and hope for thousands of older adults currently facing unbearable burdens alone.

Please sign and share to ensure that people over 60 receive the support and care they desperately deserve.