The latest States inflation figures show that households with at least one retired person saw the steepest rise in living costs of any household group, at 5.3% in the year to September.
Over the same period, fuel and light costs rose by 16.6%, while the cost of essential goods and services for retired households went up by 6.7%.
U3A social secretary Mary Brogan, 72, said the organisation kept its book groups, countryside walks, educational visits and fitness sessions as affordable as possible.
‘If something’s low cost or free, I’m inundated with enquiries,’ she said.
‘People are looking for entertainment and socialising, but not to break the bank.’
About 90 members recently went on three visits to Guernsey Electricity to learn more about energy use and electricity costs.
Ms Brogan said the social side was particularly important for those who lived alone or who had lost a partner.
‘It stops them being lonely, and it gets them out of the house. Even going for a walk, you come back and you’re warmer.’
Members also highlighted rising water, petrol and food costs.
‘We’re lucky in Guernsey that we don’t ever have to drive great distances, but our petrol prices have gone up so much, that soon it’s going to affect whether people can afford to get to events.’
Members, including Frank Everett, 79, spoke about becoming more conscious of their spending, including considering cheaper supermarket products and making use of locally available produce.
‘You think twice about everything,’ he said.
‘You just have to be more aware about what you’re picking up, and where you go for things.’
For those without workplace pensions or savings, retirement could also bring financial uncertainty.
‘As you get older you do start to worry about maybe having to go into care and having to have money for that in the future,’ said Ms Brogan. ‘It’s a concern if you haven’t got that backup.’
Age Concern Guernsey has raised its Winter Fuel Fund allowance by 18% to £325 this year, expecting greater hardship among pensioners who rely solely on the States pension.
‘While Guernsey has a strong community, some people do suffer in ignorance of the help available to them,’ said director Mark Palfrey.
The fund is open to all pensioners, not just Age Concern members, and runs until 30 April.
Applications can be made by emailing Mr Palfrey at hello@ageconcernguernsey.org.gg.