Poverty in old age: Pensioner has to continue working after retirement

Poverty in old age: Pensioner has to continue working after retirement

When they retire, many people have to continue working because their pension is not enough to cover their living expenses, as a protagonist of the RTL Zwei program “Poor Germany – Stamp or toil” shows. Heidi, a 65-year-old retiree, has held various jobs throughout her working life; Nevertheless, her monthly 600 euros from her pension are barely enough to survive. That's why she continues to work even after she retires, sometimes even six days a week. She takes on cleaning jobs in doctors' surgeries and offices in order to secure additional income. Her goal is to be a “real grandma” and spend time with her grandchildren, be it eating ice cream together or going to the cinema.

Heidi expresses her disappointment that her retirement was different. She wanted to be there for her grandchildren and give them gifts, but without the additional jobs she couldn't even afford the phone bill. Even basic needs such as rent can barely be covered. In financially difficult times, the pensioner has to save money on food and can often only survive on bread. New clothes or personal needs take a back seat; she prefers to save for her grandchildren's gifts.

Heidi's situation highlights the problem of poverty in old age, which particularly affects women. The salary difference between the sexes and the adjustment of professional activity to care work while starting a family mean that many women are at risk of poverty in old age. The pensioner plans to apply for government support if she can no longer work for health reasons. The basic pension and basic security are intended to help pensioners in old age to secure their existence. It remains unclear whether Heidi has already applied for financial support, as the RTL program was already broadcast in 2022.