Old-age poverty in Germany | DW Documentary

"There is no more pleasure in life if you can't take part in it" Strong words right there

In Eastern Europe this is "normal" for decades.

Same in UK. It’s absolutely heartbreaking and disaster 😢

This is happening everywhere. Politicians don't care about seniors because they aren't the high spending consumers their corporate owners want.

This was a problem in Sweden several years ago but it was resolved. The government finally cut taxes on pension income and stopped paying out a "guarantee pension" to those living abroad. My pension increased by €400 a month net over 4 years of cuts in taxes and pension increases, which made a huge difference. The German government needs to take action.

Why is this documentary so short when this is a real issue.

As a legal immigrant, I find it strange that European countries keep prioritising refugees over their own people, especially the elderly.

As a German retiree, I feel for my fellow pensioners. The pension is not enough to cover the costs of living in Germany.

When Inga said "you forget how to eat when you no longer have the money." I believe that. US Veteran, became homeless in 2023, started slowly losing all my money and savings trying to avoid it. First thing I noticed was that food no longer became seen as meals or full courses. Everything is a snack or something quick to put together and go. Its so expensive being poor. Take what you can get, eat it quick, and keep an eye for the next food.

I am a foreigner in Germany, and I have witnessed several cases of old people, some of them with severe conditions of disabilities. And to my surprise, the family members let them alone. Come for a visit once or twice a month. I dont understand it, and it makes me sad. If one doesn't care about his parents, then how to believe that that is a family at all? I have been taught otherwise. My culture and mindset are different.

Excellent documentary, DW. The same happens here in my country, Argentina.

It's encouraging someone is putting a spotlight on this issue. Gisela's plight in particular is all-encompassing. She alone took care of her old man. We have to do better. Taking care of our elders must be a team effort not a solo endeavor. Our humanity is on the line. Either "we hang together or we will hang alone", applies. I can't even imagine the grief Gen Zers will suffer when they get to old age, if this indifference doesn't change.

It seemed that the loneliest lady - Inga - was the most hopeless one. It looks like its not only a financial issue.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone...

"Poverty" in Germany relative to USA looks much better: attractive apartments, bright places to socialize, healthy choices at food markets, safe places to exercise in the open air. I wish these seniors well.

Another stupendous piece of reporting from DW.

I lived in Hamburg Germany about a decade ago. I'm now in California and I am a Wealth Manager. I do retirement planning often and it's sad to know that not having enough in retirement is a global problem. These people could be in Germany or in the US - two of the wealthiest countries and they'd still face the same problems. Some of it is financial education - Olle states that he wished he had put more away in retirement. Part of it is that people are living longer - three generations ago, people died much younger and this wasn't an issue. I don't have a solution, but for younger people watching this - you can't depend on the government to support you in old age. If you're going to spend 30 years in full retirement, you need millions saved/invested. The only way you're going to reach that number is if you start investing very early. If you're 20/30, start investing for your retirement TODAY

I'm half Dutch, half Turkish. I see loneliness among the elderly in the Netherlands, but not so much in Turkiye. The main difference I think is this openness to having contacts. For example, my neighbour's husband died, both their kids live outside of Istanbul so the whole neighbourhood has empathy for her; everyone's inviting her to coffee, for walks, for hobby groups. New friendships have formed - it is great for everyone. We also always chat with each other on the street, if we have no time, we just say hello and do a friendly wave. On the other hand, the elderly in my Dutch family just sits at home and complain about being lonely. They don't show any effort. Go for a walk, go to a park, go to a hobby group, call your old friends, stop and chat with your neighbours and invite them over for a coffee. There can be lonely people in every house on one street, everyone will complain but none of them do something about their loneliness. It takes effort. The whole financial side of things is sad, but loneliness makes it all the worse so coming together is sooo important.

Same in America for Many Millions & our most corrupt politicans dont adress or admit to this poverty.

Been from a third world country.... they look rich to me. Have a roof, go to a cafe, have reading glasses nice clothing, tvs, etc. I hope they realize they still have some food to eat everyday, they're still blessed. Hope their situations gets better. ❤