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Hard times : a study of pensioner poverty
— research undertaken by CPA for Nestlé Family Monitor |
| Author(s) | Maxine Whetstone |
| Corporate Author | Centre for Policy on Ageing - CPA; Nestlé Family Monitor |
| Publisher | Centre for Policy on Ageing, London, 2002 |
| Pages | 72 pp (CPA reports 31) (Nestlé Family Monitor 14) |
| Source | Central Books, 50 Freshwater Road, Chadwell Heath, Dagenham, RM8 1RX. |
| Keywords | Poor elderly ; Expenditure [elderly] ; Income [older people] ; Pensions ; Social characteristics [elderly] ; Social surveys ; Islington. |
| Annotation | In spite of rising affluence amongst people over 65, a quarter of all pensioners have no resources other than a state pension and income support. This study examines the reality of life on a low income in older age and the harsh financial choices that have to be made. Taking a sample (45 people) aged 70 and over in receipt of benefits but able to do their own shopping, the study provides empirical data on lifestyle and expenditure and explores individuals' expressed views to answer five key questions. All respondents lived within an inner London Borough (Islington). An important feature of the research design was the use of one-month spending diaries that provide tangible evidence of respondents' experiences. The outcome showed clear evidence that in difficult times older people on a low income spend less on food to pay fixed bills such as rent and fuel. Through lack of money, older people are unable to purchase certain commodities, and also unable to engage in social activities which many people take for granted. It is argued that in the twenty-first century, a state pension should allow older people sufficient income to maintain a good quality of life and to participate fully in society as valued citizens. (KJ/RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-020710207 B |
| Classmark | F:W6: J3: JF: JJ: F: 3F: 82LK |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |