Seniors cut back on frills

Economy hits many of area’s older residents in the pocketbook

Credit: Alan Rogers

Marion Correll of Hickory stands outside her home with her toy poodle Miss Dynamite on Friday. Correll said gas prices have stopped her from going out to visit friends, and higher grocery costs mean she has to do without some items.

By: Sarah Newell williamson | Hickory Daily Record
Published: October 11, 2008

HICKORY --

Douglas Howard has cut back on many of life's frills. With prices going up at the gas pump, the grocery store and at retail shops, many of the extras have had to go.

"It's going fast," Howard said of his money. "I've cut back on going out, on entertainment. I've had to."

Many people have had to watch what they spend as the U.S. economy teeters on the edge of an economic crisis. The stock market plunged 22 percent in eight days. The level of foreclosed homes is up drastically across the country, and state unemployment was listed at 6.9 percent in August. It's even higher in the Hickory region.

Howard said the higher prices caused by the economy have caused him to cut back on the number of vacations to the beach he and his wife take. Howard said their money is being frittered away on the higher prices of groceries and gas.

One thing Howard can be grateful for, though, is that he doesn't have a lot of money in the stock market.

"I had money in the stock market, and I moved it to a straight interest account last year," he said.

Howard isn't the only senior citizen cutting back.

Frances Pollard said she's not driving as much because she can't afford the gas. She's trimmed some of what she's eating, as well.

"I've cut back on how much meat I eat. I eat it about two times a week now. Before I had it every day, whether it was bacon for breakfast or chicken for dinner," she said. "And the only fresh fruit I'll get now is a bag of apples for the week."

Pollard, 65, said because grocery prices are up so much, she can't afford to buy more than that.

Marion Correll is in similar circumstances. She's living on her disability check, which doesn't stretch as far as it used to.

"I used to go out and visit friends. I've been staying in lately, instead," she said. "I'll do craftwork. I do cross stitch or play with my toy poodle, Miss Dynamite, instead."

Correll said there's not too much at the store that $10 worth of food stamps will buy, and she doesn't have any money in a savings account she can use if an emergency comes up.

"I'll just do without," she said.