Bare cupboards and nobody to help buy food: the forgotten welfare gap in older age
For many, the thought of retirement brings visions of a life of leisure and relaxation. But for those who are retired and struggling financially, the reality of retirement can be a very different one. In particular, those who do not have a pension or access to benefits, may find themselves in a situation of having to choose between paying for necessities or buying food. This is the forgotten welfare gap in older age, where bare cupboards and nobody to help buy food are a common occurrence. It can be an isolating, desperate experience for those who should be enjoying their retirement years. But with the right help and support, this bleak situation can be brought to an end. What is the forgotten welfare gap in older age? The forgotten welfare gap in older age is when people who are retired do not have access to a pension income, or a low income, and are struggling to pay for food or utility bills. It can be an extremely distressing and desperate situation, particularly for those who may have worked hard all of their lives and might be re-entering retirement with a physical or mental health condition that makes it difficult to re-enter the work force. This welfare gap is a particular issue for those who have worked in low-paid or low-skilled occupations, and do not have access to the state pension. It can also be an issue for those who have been out of work, or on a low income, and are not eligible for support. The forgotten welfare gap in older age is often termed the ‘hidden’ welfare gap, because it is often overlooked by policymakers. Who is affected by this issue? Those who are affected by the forgotten welfare gap in older age are typically people who have worked in low-paid or low-skilled occupations, without having access to a pension entitlement. This may be for a variety of reasons, such as: - They may have not been working long enough or consistently enough to be able to claim a state pension. - They may have been in the care of children or disabled relatives, or working part-time, when a pension would have been unlikely. - They may be from an ethnic minority, from a low-income background, or living in poverty in the UK, making it more difficult to access a pension. What are the causes of this welfare gap? The causes of the forgotten welfare gap in older age typically stem from a person’s working history, or a lack of consistent and continuous work, as well as a person’s health. This can lead to a low income, and therefore make it difficult for a person to access a pension, or other forms of state support, such as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, or Income Support. This can be compounded by the fact that those who do not have regular work are less likely to have a pension of any kind, and may find it particularly difficult to re-enter the work force at an older age. This can lead to retirement without any source of income, or a low-income, which can make it difficult to pay for necessities, and particularly food. This can lead to a situation of having to choose between paying for bare cupboards and nobody to help buy food and utility bills, or buying food. What are the consequences of this welfare gap? The consequences of the forgotten welfare gap in older age can be devastating. Social isolation and loneliness can lead to mental health issues, and a sense of hopelessness can lead to thoughts of suicide. Indeed, the loneliness of retirement is believed to be a key cause of depression in older people. This can have a devastating effect on a person’s health, their quality of life, and on the people around them. It can lead to people having to give up work or not being able to work, which can be devastating for their self-worth, as well as their income. It can also have a huge impact on the NHS, with people unable to access healthcare or medications due to cost. These consequences can be particularly devastating for those who may have worked hard all of their lives, and may have had a physical or mental health condition that makes it difficult to re-enter the work force. This can lead to retirement without any source of income, which can make it difficult to pay for necessities, particularly food. This can lead to a situation of having to choose between paying for bare cupboards and nobody to help buy food and utility bills, or buying food. How can this gap be addressed? The forgotten welfare gap in older age can be addressed by ensuring that all individuals have access to an income in later life. This can be achieved by a number of government initiatives, such as the Pension Pledge, which requires companies to take steps to make sure its employees can access a pension in later life. Other initiatives include a review of the Pension Credit, which provides state support to people over state pension age who have a low income, and the extension of the National Pension Savings Scheme to people who have not had a workplace pension. There have also been calls from charities and organisations for the government to increase the state pension, to make it easier for people to earn an income in later life. What government policies have been introduced to address this issue? The Pension Pledge, which has been introduced by the government, requires large employers to take steps to make sure its employees can access a pension in later life. The government has also introduced the Pension Credit, which provides state support to people over state pension age who have a low income. The government has also introduced the National Pension Savings Scheme, to help increase the number of people saving for retirement. What more needs to be done to address this issue? More needs to be done by the government to address the forgotten welfare gap in older age. This can be achieved by increasing the state pension, to make it easier for people to earn an income in later life. It can also be achieved by ensuring that everyone over state pension age has access to a pension or a low-income benefit that provides an adequate standard of living. What role can other organisations play in addressing this issue? Charities and organisations can play a role in addressing the forgotten welfare gap in older age. They can help to raise awareness of the issue among policymakers and the public, to ensure that no one is forgotten or overlooked. They can also help to provide support and assistance to those who are struggling, to help people access the support they are entitled to. What role can individuals play in addressing this issue? Individuals can play a role in addressing the forgotten welfare gap in older age by ensuring they have a pension, or other source of income, when they retire. They can also help to raise awareness of the issue, to ensure no one is forgotten or overlooked. They can also help to provide support and assistance to those who are struggling, to help people access the support they are entitled to. What resources are available to those affected by this issue? There are a number of resources available to those affected by the forgotten welfare gap in older age. These include the Money Advice Service, which provides information and support for people to manage their money. There is also Age UK, which provides advice, information, and support to those who are retired or approaching retirement. _______________ If/When You Need a Eulogy Writing a eulogy for a loved one can be a daunting task. It's often hard to capture a loved one's life in words. But with the help of a eulogy writer, the process can be much easier. A eulogy writer can help you craft a fitting tribute to your loved one, one that captures their life and legacy in a way that will bring comfort and solace to their family and friends. The eulogy writer will also help you find the right words to express your emotions and to honor your loved one. They'll make sure the eulogy sounds like you and reflects the unique relationship you shared with the deceased. With their help, you can make sure the eulogy is warm and heartfelt, and one that will help everyone remember your loved one in a positive light. So, while we all hope to never need a eulogy writer, we want you to know that The Eulogy Writers is here for you. Comments are closed.
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AuthorSteve Schafer is the founder of TheEulogyWriters and the author of hundreds of heartfelt, wonderful eulogies. He lives in Texas and has been writing eulogies for well over thirty years. The articles in this blog are designed to help people through the process of losing loved ones and exploring issues in the aging process. |
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