Old-age poverty in Baden-Württemberg: Pensioners fight for survival!

Old-age poverty in Baden-Württemberg: Pensioners fight for survival!

Poverty in old age is becoming increasingly dramatic in Germany. In the heart of Baden-Württemberg, the reality for many older people is anything but rosy. Over the past two decades, the number of needy pensioners in the region has doubled. According to SWR, almost 111,000 people over 65 years of age received basic security in 2022. This development not only represents an individual problem, but also poses a societal challenge.

Petra Prieler, a 65-year-old who has to get by on a pension of just 580 euros, is representative of many. In order to cover her running costs, she works 15 hours a week at the food bank. With such a low income, after deducting rent, there is only around 250 euros left for other expenses. “Can I afford something like a coffee in a café, or have I done something wrong?” she asks herself. Your problems are not alone. According to the food bank manager Sandra Hüsges, the proportion of pensioners who get their food there has increased from 20% to over 30%.

The numbers speak for themselves

The situation in Germany is alarming. In June 2024, 728,990 people were living on basic income, which is an increase of 37,000 compared to the previous year. Almost 3.2 million seniors are at risk of poverty, and the at-risk-of-poverty rate for people over 65 is 18.1 percent - and for women it is even 20.2 percent. This shows an increasingly dramatic picture of poverty in old age, which has grown by 39 percent since 2015, as bürgergeld reports.

What is particularly shocking is the finding that 33 percent of pensioners who have paid in for 40 years receive a pension of less than 1,250 euros. Many of these seniors, who have worked for decades, are now faced with the reality that their retirement savings are inadequate. The gradual increase in the retirement age to 67 by 2031, to which the CDU parliamentary group refers, could further aggravate this situation. At the same time, Verena Bentele, President of the social association VdK, criticizes the pressure on people who can no longer work and the reality of life that plagues many old-age pensioners.

The voices of those affected

69-year-old Wolfgang Aich has decided on partial retirement and is now enjoying his life as a DJ. He plans his time flexibly and doesn't worry about financial bottlenecks, while others, like a bottle collector from Pforzheim, have to stay afloat. There are also observations that 59% of people in Baden-Württemberg give up their jobs before the official retirement age. Because of the low pensions, many are forced into additional income.

In view of this situation, comprehensive reforms in pension and social policy are required. The Federal Agency for Civic Education emphasizes that a significant proportion of those entitled to benefits do not apply for basic security benefits, often out of shame or ignorance of their entitlements. The need for a solidarity-based minimum pension of 1,250 euros is becoming increasingly urgent in order to combat poverty among pensioners and to ensure secure retirement provision for future generations.

The discussion about poverty in old age is an issue that affects us all. It is our responsibility to raise awareness and find solutions. A solidarity-based and fair pension system is a foundation for a healthy, functioning society.