We need a pensioner poverty strategy for Scotland
As we launch our new report, our Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Debbie Horne explains why we’re calling for a renewed focus on pensioner poverty.
At Independent Age we believe no one should face poverty in later life.
But currently too many older people in Scotland face the daily reality of just that, with the number of pensioners living in poverty now 150,000 — up 25% since 2012. This statistic torpedoes the myth that all older people are living a life of comfort with large financial reserves.
Behind each statistic is a real person. Like the older people our teams hear from everyday who are struggling to heat their homes, buy the food they need or afford to meet a friend for coffee.
The rising number of older people facing financial hardship in Scotland requires renewed focus, and critically a strategy from the Scottish Government.
We’re launching our new report, “Not enough to live on” where the impact of pensioner poverty is shown through the stories of 38 older people in Scotland.
In the report, we set out what the Scottish Government can do to address financial hardship and improve the lives of older people living in poverty.
Heather’s story
Any one of the stories in our report highlight why action is so desperately needed to reduce pensioner poverty.
Take Heather, who is in her early 70s and lives alone following the death of her husband a few years ago. Reflecting on her current financial circumstances she said: “I don’t suppose when my husband was living that I realised how not well off we were, but we certainly managed… And then I think reality sinks in”.
Struggling with the rising cost of heating, Heather told us: “I just sit on the electric blanket on the bed all day… I just lie in bed with the dog and read a book… It’s the only place we are warm”.
Heather has osteoarthritis and has had two hip replacements in recent years. Reflecting on what would improve her quality of life, Heather said she’d like a mobility scooter but “it’s totally out of the question”.
“I’ve been looking but you could buy a car that’s cheaper than them… there’s no support.”
Talking about what she thought her later years would be like, Heather told us: “Do you know this, I feel so envious of somebody that can be warm…You expect to get to this age, and you think you are going to sit back. And everything’s going to be warm and cosy and that’s really not what it is”.
No one should have to live in poverty — to find themselves in a position like Heather’s — no matter their age. It doesn’t have to be this way.
What needs to change?
We want to see the Scottish Government renew their focus on pensioner poverty and commit to taking action to reduce it.
As the stories in our report demonstrate it’s essential that a long-term strategy to address pensioner poverty and stop the upward trend is implemented by the Scottish Government.
With an ageing population we also want to see the creation of an Older People’s Commissioner for Scotland. This independent role would champion the interests and amplify the voices of older people, advocating for their human rights.
Our polling revealed that of older people in households with incomes under £20,000, 74% are cutting back on food and 61% on heating. As the cost of living continues to squeeze the budgets of older people on a low income, it’s vital the Scottish Government consider how they can support pensioners living in poverty.
From ambition to action
The Scottish Government have said they want to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow old. It’s a welcome ambition. But one that requires action to reduce pensioner poverty if it is to be achieved.
The opportunity to improve the lives of 150,000 older people living in poverty in Scotland is in front of the Scottish Government: we urge them to seize it.
