Alone Warns Older People Living Alone Are Twice As Likely To Face Poverty

Older people living alone are facing significantly greater financial pressure than retired couples, with ALONE warning that many are now being forced to cut back on food, heating and socialising.

Speaking to South East Radio, ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan said people living alone can face around 70 per cent of the household costs of a couple, but without a second pension or income to help meet those bills.

He said CSO figures show older people living alone have around twice the rate of poverty risk compared with other age groups.

ALONE is calling for a €15 increase in both the State Pension and the Living Alone Allowance, saying rising everyday costs continue to hit older people particularly hard.

Mr Moynihan said the organisation’s own surveys show a sharp deterioration over the past year.

Last year, 44 per cent of older people surveyed by ALONE said they were struggling with the cost of living. That figure has now risen to 75 per cent.

He said people are initially cutting back on socialising and transport, but increasingly are now reducing spending on energy and food.

Some older people, he said, are cooking fewer hot meals and buying cheaper cuts of food in an effort to manage household bills.

ALONE has a significant presence in County Wexford, with more than 300 volunteers supporting older people across the county.

Mr Moynihan said the issues being reported locally are similar to those elsewhere in the country, with older people seeking adequate income, suitable housing, transport, healthcare and the ability to remain living independently in their own communities.

Housing is also becoming an increasing concern for older people.

ALONE says around 15 per cent of older homeowners would consider downsizing if suitable smaller homes were available within their own communities.

Mr Moynihan said providing that choice could potentially release around 80,000 larger homes nationally.

He also warned that a growing number of people are approaching retirement while still renting privately, creating further concerns around how they will afford housing on a pension.

ALONE says housing should not be viewed solely as an issue affecting younger generations, with significant numbers of older people also experiencing housing difficulties.

The organisation provides support on issues including housing, health, transport, loneliness, bereavement and access to State services.

Anyone looking for support, advice or information about volunteering with ALONE can contact the organisation seven days a week on 0818 222 024.