Together against poverty in later life: The state of public opinion
Financial hardship in later life
At Independent Age, we believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. Yet the reality is that almost two million older people are living in poverty in the UK and around a million more live on a low income hovering above the poverty line. Through our work with older people living in financial insecurity – on our Helpline, with our expert advisers, and in partnership with hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK – we see the challenges faced by older people in poverty every day.
Learning from the public
While Independent Age understand the huge impact that not having enough money to live on can have on every aspect of someone's life, we wanted to learn more about what the public thinks about older people in poverty and how much they are willing to support them. ‘Together Against Poverty in Later Life’ shares the findings of polling where we asked 2,000 members of the public about their understanding of these issues and the Government’s options in responding to them.
Support across the generations
We found that suggestions of intergenerational conflict, or a lack of sympathy between old and young, are misplaced. Most people, of all ages, care about older people in poverty and are concerned about the quality of their lives. Most people also think the UK Government have a responsibility to do more to support this group, and judge the current UK Government – and all political parties – on their policies and actions towards them.
What needs to happen next
The people who shared their views to inform this research have made their voices heard. They supported a range of measures on costs, housing and income that go beyond one-off payments. We now need politicians and policymakers to act, putting in place positive policies to tackle poverty in later life for all of us as we age.
Key insights
8 in 10 (80%) say that if there were an election tomorrow, the different political parties’ policies towards older people in poverty would influence their vote.
More than 3 in 4 (77%) people think that the UK Government have a role to play in addressing older people living in poverty.
Policies that help older people in poverty not only win support from the people who would benefit from them directly, but are also supported by other age groups.
What is Independent Age calling for?
We want the Government to recognise this serious, long-term issue and take action. Independent Age is calling on the Government to:
Want to know more?
Our full report is available to download. We explore how far the public recognises poverty in later life as an important issue, and how far they think the UK Government should prioritise this group in policymaking.
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Our statement of intent
Independent Age has produced a Statement of Intent that organisations and individuals can sign up to and show their commitment to tackling pensioner poverty.
If you’re an organisation who hasn’t already signed up and would like to show your support, please email public.affairs@independentage.org.
If you’re an individual who would like to help, you can take action here.
Learn more about our work on poverty in later life.
It is unacceptable that anyone should live in poverty.
Poverty is detrimental to our society as a whole and every day, it deprives people of their choices, forcing them to make difficult decisions that can negatively impact their health, relationships, and dignity.
People of all ages and walks of life can experience poverty; financial struggles unite them for a decent quality of life.
Older people are not immune to financial hardship.
Across the UK, two million pensioners live in poverty, cutting back on meals, living in damp, cold homes and sitting in the dark to save money.
Too often, their voices aren’t heard or acted on by those with the power to make change happen.
Too often, they are ignored or stigmatised, compounding their feelings of shame, hopelessness and isolation.
Poverty in later life is not inevitable; it can be addressed.
We can improve our society and social security system so that it works for people of all ages.
To help achieve this:
- 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.
Together, we will tackle pensioner poverty so that everyone has the opportunity to live well with dignity, choice, and purpose.
Supportive organisations include:
African Caribbean Care Group
Age Cymru
Age Diversity Network
Age NI
Age UK
Age UK Bradford District
Age UK London
Age UK South Lakeland
Age UK Wirral
Ageing Without Children
Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women's Project Ltd
Asian Elders' Resource Centre
Bedford Street Community Company Limited
Benefit Advice Shop
Big Issue Foundation
Bikur Cholim
Bolton Solidarity Community Association
British Geriatrics Society
Carers UK
Castlemilk Law and Money Advice Centre
Centre for Ageing Better
Centre for Mental Health
Chartered Institute for Housing
Chinese Wellbeing
Christian's Against Poverty
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice Mid Mercia
Citizens Advice Scotland
Civil Service fellowship
Civil Service Pensioners Alliance
Civil Service Pensioners Alliance Scotland
Cymru Older People's Alliance
Fair by Design
Fuel Poverty Action
Generation Rent
Glasgow Golden Generation
Hamara Healthy Living Centre
Hastings Advice and Representation Centre
Helping Hands Community Trust
Hourglass
ILC
Independent Age
Investing in People and Culture
JRF
Just Group
Money Advice Trust
Muslim Council of Great Britain
NASUWT FRMA
National Energy Action
National Federation of Occupational Pensioners
National Pensioners Convention
Parkinson's UK
Phoenix Insights
Pilgrims’ Friend Society
Policy in Practice
Poverty Alliance
Saltbox
Scottish Older People's Assembly (SOPA)
Scottish Pensioners Forum
SEARCH CIO (Services for Older People)
Shama Womens Centre
South Bristol Advice Services
Southwark Pensioners' Centre
St Anns Advice Centre
Stockton & District Advice & Information Service
The Renewal Trust
Trussell Trust
Turn2Us
United for All Ages
Vauxhall Community Law and Information Centre
Wai Yin Society
Wales Seniors Forum
Wesley Hall Community Centre
Wise Age
Women's Budget Group