Wednesday 8th May 2024
A Statement of Intent on pensioner poverty
We're supporting a Statement of Intent on tackling pensioner poverty from the charity Independent Age
Almost half (49%) of the general public underestimate the scale of poverty in later life, according to new polling from financial hardship charity Independent Age. One in six older people currently live in poverty (around 2 million), yet when asked what proportion of people 65 and over are currently living in poverty in the UK, 8% thought it was 1 in 50, 20% said 1 in 20 and 21% said 1 in 12. A further 21% answered ‘don’t know’.
In response the charity has launched its Statement of Intent, calling on people of all ages to work together to tackle pensioner poverty. The statement has the backing of more than 70 organisations already, including us at Pilgrims' Friend Society.
The statement has also been voiced in a new video from TV chef Rustie Lee, who appears alongside charity spokespeople and older people who have benefitted from the charity’s information and advice services.
On her support for the statement, Rustie Lee said: “No one dreams of a later life where having a hot meal is an unaffordable luxury, yet this has become the reality for millions of older people who are living in poverty.
“It’s never been more important for the voices of older people on a low income to be heard. That’s why I’m proud to support Independent Age’s Statement of Intent. Together, we can push for the change that means we can all look forward to a financially secure later life.”
You can watch the video featuring Rustie Lee and others here:
Independent Age says that too often, the voices of older people on a low income aren’t heard or acted on by the people who have the power to make change. Ahead of the UK General Election and beyond, the charity is asking organisations and individuals to sign the Statement and commit to:
• Listen to the voices of older people in financial insecurity
• Share stories of pensioners living in poverty
• Support changes to reduce poverty in older age, ensuring a financially secure future for everyone
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive at Independent Age, said: “There is a dangerous and misleading stereotype that all older people are enjoying a lavish retirement, but in reality, millions are facing tough choices every day.
“The older people we speak to tell us harrowing stories of sitting in the dark, washing less and cutting back drastically on the amount of food they buy. This is no way to live, and importantly, it can be addressed.
“By uniting, sharing stories and supporting changes that older people on a low income need to see, we can all play our part in improving the lives of people in later life already facing financial hardship, and ensure that all of us can look forward to a later life filled with dignity, choice and purpose.”
If you as an individual would like to show your support, you can sign Independent Age’s Statement of Intent, at www.independentage.org/statement-of-intent
More thought leadership...
Tackling pensioner poverty
This month we attended a parliamentary event hosted by the organisation Independent Age on addressing pensioner poverty
Blue, red or yellow?
With 2024 an election year, Alexandra Davis looks at what the three main UK-wide parties have to say about social care
Need to know - info sheets
Our experts guide you through big issues like health and social care funding