Age Action has expressed concern that figures released by the CSO today show that the percentage of older people at risk of poverty rose last year.

Some 16.6% of people aged over-65 were at risk of poverty in 2007, compared to 13.6% in 2006.  The rise was most evident among older people living alone, where the numbers at risk of poverty rose from 19.3% in 2006 to 24.3% last year.  The numbers experiencing consistent poverty increased from 3.7% to 4.3%.

“The figures are evidence of the need to ensure that social welfare payments keep track of the rising costs of living,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said. “This is especially important for older people living alone.  The fact that the Living Alone Allowance has not been increased since 1996 is contributing to poverty levels among older people and the decision to freeze the payment for the last 12 years needs to be reviewed.”

The importance of social welfare payments is highlighted by the fact that 96% of older people living alone would be at risk of poverty without social welfare payments, compared to 24.3% when these payments are included.

The analysis by age group showed that older people had the lowest equivalised disposable income of just €18,401 per annum.

“It is important to note that the increase in the number of older people experiencing poverty occurred before the current economic slow down,” Mr Timmins noted. “The small increases in key payments such as the State Pension and the fuel allowance in the October Budget mean that many older people will continue to struggle in 2009.”