A 78-year-old Oxford woman has given an insight into later-life poverty in front of 150 people.

Yvonne Bailey, a pensioner and grandmother of three, spoke at a conference discussing financial hardship among older individuals.

Outlining her own struggles, she described how the cost of living has forced her to reduce energy usage and live under austere conditions.

Ms Bailey said: "Growing older and having to scrimp to get by is really hard.

"I find it worrying that it could get worse for those in later life.

"We need to see action from whoever makes up the next Government, to make sure everyone has enough to live with dignity.

"That’s why I wanted to be part of Independent Age’s panel, to make sure our voices are heard."

Independent Age, the national charity behind the conference, recently revealed that almost one in four older people could be living in poverty by 2040 if current trends continue, equating to 3.9 million people.

These numbers are even higher for older women and those with a disability.

Joanna Elson CBE, chief executive at the organisation, said: "We’re thrilled that Yvonne took part in our panel.

"As we work to tackle poverty in later life, hearing directly from older people on a low income is so important, and Yvonne’s role at the conference was invaluable."