We can’t allow elderly people to live like this

Soaring prices will add a crushing €1,400 to our bills this year. This hits older people more than most, says SEáN MOYNIHAN, CEO of ALONE. He has welcomed recent inflation-busting measures, but are they enough? And are we really a caring society when it comes to the elderly?

Does the Government’s inflation package go far enough?

Even the Government recognises that these actions are not enough. Many older people are not in receipt of the Fuel Allowance. ALONE believes the eligibility criteria should be widened to ensure all households in fuel poverty can avail of the Fuel Allowance.

How hard are rising prices hitting pensioners? Have you some examples?

• Rose* called about her electricity bill which is very high. She was looking for financial help to pay it.

• Patricia* called about getting support with food. She is finding it hard financially as her gas and electricity bills are high but she needs to keep her apartment warm because she has arthritis.

• Anne* called to see if there were any grants for her to get oil for her house. She doesn’t have a lot of money and is starting to run low. She says the company will only come out if a minimum of €200 to €250 is spent.

Do you buy the line that inflation is temporary and will go away soon?

People don’t want to hear from Government that inflation is temporary – they’re struggling now and need help. They want to hear how the Government is addressing the issues. This crisis extends beyond current inflation; people have been struggling for a long time.

Shouldn’t we link pension payments to inflation like in other countries?

ALONE has been calling for a triplelock approach to benchmarking for years [like in the UK]. This is where the State pension would be benchmarked at either 2.5% annually, 34% of average weekly earnings, or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. We understand that the Government is considering benchmarking at either inflation or average weekly earnings, however, this means that pensions could also fall [if wages fall]. Implementing a triple-lock, we believe, is the best approach as it protects pensions when average earnings fall. The contributory pension has risen 10% during 2011 to 2022. Adjusting for inflation, the increase is just 1.7%. The contributory pension is currently €253.30, in real terms this is €234.25 due to inflation.

Is ageism creeping into our society?

Yes. This was particularly evident during the pandemic, with a report by The Alliance of Age Sector NGOs stating older people felt that underlying ageism was increased.

Is increasing the pension age really another hit on older people?

This is one of the biggest campaign issues ALONE have been working on. Increasing the State pension age is effectively re-writing the social contract. Working into our late 60s and beyond should be a choice, not an obligation. This is particularly important in labour-intensive jobs, such as construction, manufacturing, even retail. Some 126,100 adults over 55 (11%) are living with frailty, which could impact their need to retire early and could impact their ability to meet contributions for a full pension.

What did your parents teach you about money?

There are certain things you need to prioritise your money for – food, clothing, accommodation and family. Things like shoes and a bed, as you spend 12 hours a day standing in one and nine hours a night lying on the other.

What do you do to unwind? Does it cost much?

Swimming. And no it doesn’t cost much!

* Not their real names