~snip....
I would be curious to read of the experiences others around the world are having in regards to their cost of living.
Most of the population in the world today complains about the economic conditions. Global is currently in a crisis, many citizens complain about spending on daily needs, especially those with low incomes. This condition is not only you or your country who feel, but this condition is comprehensive. Even America, which is considered a superpower, also experienced the same thing with 0.5% economic growth. Even experts predict there will be a recession.
Maybe the solution with skills to get a second job. But the government must also step in to help small and medium enterprises. Thus the community's economic growth will increase.
But for those elderly retirees what can they do? They are no longer able to work with jobs that squeeze energy. Apart from only using pension money, of course their children and relatives can help them in the rest of their old age.
I also agree with you that the increase in staple foodstuffs is due to the global economic conditions that are currently experiencing a crisis. Living with lots of money can be a hope for everyone. With it, people can buy as much as they want, eat as much as they want, or as much as they like on vacation. However, not everyone can feel this way because sometimes even if there is a lot of money with a high standard of living in a country, a lot of money is still meaningless.