The purpose of this study is to update existing data on the issue of older people in poverty in Ireland using the most up-to-date information available, namely the 2004 round of EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU–SILC). The results show that older people have higher rates of income poverty than younger age groups but that they have lower levels of deprivation on most items. The exception, however, is in relation to housing standards, which show older people are more likely to live in accommodation with problems such as damp walls. The results suggest that health status is related to living conditions and consistent poverty. The policy implications of these findings are examined.