Seniors across Australia are having to become savvy savers as the cost of living rises.
Pensioners such as Graham James, 79, are always on the lookout for creative ways to save money.
The retired farmer, who grew up in the WA Wheatbelt town of Dumbleyung before moving to Albany, said his fortnightly pension of $773 didn't go very far.
It forces him and his wife to choose carefully when doing their grocery shopping.
"They [groceries] have all gone up a reasonable amount, not as much as you'd think when you consider what the farmers get," Mr James said.
"But we generally use mince quite a lot, that keeps it down and chicken — that's our main staple."
Mr James also attempts to grow his own fresh produce.
"On vegetables, we usually try to have a vegetable garden growing … but unfortunately this year we're sharing them with the insects," he said.
Mr James said some pensioners used public transport to save on fuel and car registrations, but admitted that was hard in regional and rural areas.
He said he also dipped into his superannuation to buy solar panels, in a bid to lower his power bill.
Mr James said he would most likely still be working in some capacity if it wasn't for his disability.
Instead, the grandfather volunteers with the Family History group in Albany where he helps people find their long-lost relatives.
He urged other pensioners to volunteer in their communities as a more affordable and fulfilling way to socialise with others.
Rising demand for meals
A place that also relies on volunteers in the town's local Meals on Wheels service.
It is run by non-for-profit group Chorus and has seen a spike in demand for pre-cooked meals.
Carly Russell, Chorus's customer advocate, said demand had risen by almost a third — to 200 meals a week — in the past six months.
"Some of them have [said] … it's almost cheaper to have [Meals on Wheels] … than to go shopping for myself and buy groceries," she said.
Every Thursday the group holds a roast day where about 60 people head into the centre for an affordable dining out experience.
Chef Carol Standish said she loved the atmosphere of a full house.
She said it was all part of helping seniors stay independent for longer.
"A lot of them come here and then they go to bingo, which is held here as well so they come and have their meal, and if they're a bit slow we'll dish it up and take it in with them," she said.
Ms Russell also said the centre offered a range of things to help seniors with their essential needs and self-care.
It even has an in-house hairdresser offering services at a discounted rate for pensioners.
Ms Russell urged those in need to ask for help and not struggle in silence.
She said many not-for-profits could look at adjusting services to make them more affordable for those in extremely dire situations.
