Charity issues warning over 'silent generation' of one million over-75s living in poverty
Many have little hope of escaping poverty in their lifetimes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nearly one million people over the age of 75 are living in poverty in Britain, a charity has warned.
Hundreds of thousands are in a "poverty trap" with little hope of escape in their lifetimes, according to a new report by the charity Independent Age.
Its research found many older pensioners are worse off than their younger counterparts by thousands of pounds a year on average, leaving 20 per cent of over-75s living below the poverty line.
The charity said the "silent generation" of pensioners who lived through the Second World War are being forgotten while public discussion focusses on the wealth of younger "Baby Boomers".
Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, said it was "misleading" to treat the country's 11.8 million pensioners as one group.
"It would be foolish to assume that inequality simply ceases to exist at retirement age, but that is exactly what some of the recent rhetoric around 'intergenerational unfairness' does.
"The Silent Generation of older pensioners, renters and single women have missed out on many of the gains of recent years.
"This is the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' generation that lived through the Second World War.
"The older people we spoke to as part of this research talked about 'keeping a brave face', 'cutting their cloth' and not wanting to ask for help. There is a real risk that this generation will be forgotten and left to suffer in silence."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments