Poverty in old age: Maria K. from Erlangen is fighting for survival!

Poverty in old age: Maria K. from Erlangen is fighting for survival!

In Germany, poverty in old age is increasingly becoming an urgent social issue that affects many people. NN.de reports from Maria K., a 68-year-old woman from Erlangen, who is a typical example of the challenges that many seniors face. Maria lives in a small two-room apartment, receives basic security and a small pension and, after deducting her fixed costs, has to get by on around 440 euros a month. This makes life a daily struggle for them.

Maria K.'s life story shows how complex the issue of poverty in old age is. She became disabled at just 50, has struggled with mental and physical problems ever since, and has faced abuse and loneliness in her past. The financial setbacks in her life – from divorce to addiction – have also shaped her situation. After various therapies, she overcame her pill addiction, but the basic financial situation remains uncertain. Despite all the adversities, she receives sporadic support, including from her son, who brings her food but is unable to finance major purchases such as a new bed.

A problem for society as a whole

According to that Federal Statistical Office Maria K. is not alone. 15.5% of the population in Germany were at risk of poverty in 2024. Women over the age of 65 are particularly affected, for whom the at-risk-of-poverty rate is 21.4%. The reasons for this are complex: women were often less likely to be employed full-time or earned lower incomes, which leads to lower pensions. This discrepancy is particularly evident in the group of people over 75, where 21.8% are at risk of poverty. Many women therefore have to limit themselves to the absolute minimum, which significantly limits their quality of life.

The data of the Federal Statistical Office demonstrate these alarming trends and underscore the need to strengthen social support systems. Older people, especially women, are often less well protected, meaning that societal challenges are increasing. The risk of poverty among seniors is not only a question of financial security, but also an issue of human dignity and social participation.

Where to put your worries?

Maria K. is often dependent on help. She receives monthly food vouchers from her church and occasionally goes to the food bank. But that is not enough to cover their basic needs. Your urgent request for support shows how important it is that we as a society take a look and help. Anyone who would like to contribute a little to improving the situation of Maria and other affected people is invited to make donations.

It is up to all of us to ensure that people like Maria K. can not only make ends meet, but also regain a little joy in life. Let us be inspired to find solutions together and help those who often suffer in silence.