The secret to managing on a state pension is not having to pay rent or mortgage and little or no council tax.
My mum pays none of the above, nor does my friends mum, and both receive only the basic state pension for a single person.
We both get offered money from our mums, which I'd never take. She recently sent me a cheque for �50 to treat myself which was torn up, but she often says she manages well and has no money worries.
Don't forget too the fuel allowance, free tv licences (I think for over 75s) and bus passes.