In France, two million people over the age of 60 live below the poverty line, warns the association Les Petits Frères des Pauvres, which is publishing a report on the subject this Monday, September 30. Single people and women are particularly affected.
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This figure corresponds to people aged 60 and over who live below the monetary poverty line, a relative level set at 60% of the median standard of living (i.e. 1,216 euros per month for a single person, 1,824 euros for a couple) , according to the report published Monday September 30 by the association Les Petits Frères des Poors. Poverty affected 10.6% of 65-74 year olds in 2022 compared to 7.5% in 2017, according to INSEE.
Seniors are, however, less affected than the general population: nine million people in France live below the poverty line, or 14.4% of the population.
Living as a couple protects against poverty, which affects 18.8% of single elderly people, compared to 6.4% of those living as a couple, according to INSEE.
“ It leads to social isolation »
Women, who live longer than men, and therefore in solitude, are more exposed. In addition, the less work of women among the older generations, cut careers to follow their husbands in professional changes, part-time work to take care of their children or loved ones, have resulted in lower retirement pensions. . Added to this are divorces and separations which reduce their standard of living.
According to interviews carried out in 2024 with 12 people concerned by Les Petits Frères des Pauvres, 31% of them faced difficulties paying daily bills. If living alone exposes you to poverty, it reinforces isolation. Four in ten people have refrained from going to restaurants, gone on vacation or limited their travel over the last 12 months, 26% have refrained from inviting their loved ones.
“ I have a pension of 1 100€ per month. I don’t feel poor, I feel a little needy at times, because I can’t go to the cinema, to demonstrations, etc. », explains Martine, 73 years old. This retired educator took care of two children and therefore did not always work full time. “ I can no longer invite friends over because I can’t afford to cook them food. It leads to social isolation. By managing my budget well, I am able to feed myself. But in the summer, when there is a heatwave, I don’t turn on my fan. Two years ago, my electricity bill skyrocketed so I stay in the heat where it’s over 30°C at home. So that’s a real difficulty. “, she testifies.
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