I know a few pensioners back in the UK, no income beyond state pension.
They're doing OK, so I can't see how 'professionals' aren't coping.
Probably poor money management skills.
Back to the OP,
"Case study: Victoria
Breakfasts are a luxury, weekday lunches largely a thing of the past. There are no food treats any more, no desserts or cake. For Victoria, a single mother on a low income, this denial of her own food needs has one purpose: to ensure her two primary school age children never go hungry."
Not much sympathy, she chose to be a single mother with 2 kids.
The UK is full of desperate single guys that would like some company.