On 12 June 2024 we held a landmark conference on poverty in later life. We heard from older people in financial hardship who told us about the issues they’re facing, and the systems letting them down. Guests included external stakeholders from the ageing and poverty sectors, including charities, think tanks, and regulators, organisations who have received a grant from us, our staff, our partners, donors and the media.
Below are some of the highlights.
Pensioner poverty predicted to almost double by 2040
Our new report, Keys to the future: Projecting housing tenure and poverty rates in later life, contains new research we've commissioned and that has been carried out by the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE).
The research projects that if poverty levels among people aged 65+ continue to change in line with year-on-year trends since 2010:
- poverty among older people will increase from 17% to 23%
- poverty will increase more for older women than older men, going from 20% of older women currently in poverty to a forecast 26%
- poverty levels among older people with a disability will increase significantly from 18% to 29%, which compares to a projected increase in poverty in the non-disabled older population from 17% to 19%.
Empowering voices
We gave older people a platform to share their experiences and tell us how decision-makers can amplify their voices.
Breaking stigma
Our Two Million Too Many photo exhibition showcased the human stories behind the numbers, sparking important conversations about the harsh reality of financial hardship in later life.
I worked until I was 75 and it amazes me that I can’t afford to sit down in my own home and put the heating on.Gwenda, London
I live with my brother and his wife. I rent out my own home because I can’t afford to live alone.Aziza, Leeds
I’ve had my State Pension for nearly a year, but I couldn’t survive on it alone.Rob, Penzance
We’re really struggling financially. We haven’t asked our children to help us, because they’ve got their own families to worry about.Philip and Carol, South Wales
The price of everything has gone up. My son and daughter help with the rent and bills, energy costs and Council Tax, because my State Pension isn’t enough.Newara, Leeds
I used to have carers and the council paid for them but then they started making me pay, and it became too much for me to afford. Things are troublesome now because the cost of everything is going up.Ismael, London
I’ve lived in Romford nearly all my life and been a private tenant with my landlord for 12 years. She recently said she was selling because of the mortgage payments going up. She gave me a Section 21, so I have to move out.Susan, Essex
I’m very worried about my finances. I own my home and I’d like to do some repairs to it, but I can’t afford to.Mohammad, Leeds
Expert insights
We heard from a panel of experts and keynote speakers who offered valuable perspectives on how we can prevent the doubling of pensioner poverty from becoming a reality.
Sign 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.
Join the #TwoMillionTooMany conversation on social media
Use #TwoMillionTooMany to add to the discussion, share your views and help us raise awareness of the growing issue of pensioner poverty.
Download and share the graphics below.
We can tackle pensioner poverty but we must work together. Sign the pledge and download the statement graphic to share and show your support.
There are #TwoMillionTooMany older people in poverty in the UK. Join us as a campaigner and download the Two Million Too Many graphic to share.