During 2022 we reviewed our 2021–23 strategic focus to look at the impact we were making.
Our trustees agreed that evolving our strategy to focus more clearly on older people facing financial hardship would mean we could help more people and so increase that impact.
Supporting people facing financial hardship has been a priority for Independent Age since our foundation more than 160 years ago.
The number of people facing financial hardship is growing – more than two million older people live in poverty in the UK, and at least one million more live with precarious finances. Living in financial hardship affects older people's health, intensifies loneliness and reduces quality of life – so we can and must work to prevent and alleviate it.
Our history and financial position mean we are uniquely placed to address this challenge and to become the only national charity dedicated to supporting people facing financial hardship in later life.
Improving the lives of one million older people
At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, our goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people.
We’ll work across four strategic areas, to help older people benefit from more income, lower costs, increased community connection and an adequate home.
And we’ll work to create lasting and sustainable change, across the UK.
Our objective by 2027
We will have improved the lives of one million older people facing financial hardship.
How we'll do it
Income
We will make sure older people facing financial hardship have sufficient income and receive the financial support they’re entitled to.
Costs
We will ensure that older people facing financial hardship are protected from unfair or avoidable costs.
Community
By working in partnership with other organisations, we will ensure older people facing financial hardship have the connections and support they need in their communities.
Housing
We will ensure that older people facing financial hardship live in safe, secure and suitable housing with the care and support they need.