The volcanic island of Saint Lucia is home to more than 170,000 people. It is often characterized by its rich culture, with the country’s history lending to a diverse and unique display of different heritages. Unfortunately, despite the country’s constant efforts to promote the respect of human rights, elderly poverty in Saint Lucia is a looming dampener on the quality of life in Saint Lucia. 

The Elderly Population and Poverty

Historically speaking, elderly poverty in Saint Lucia has always been a cause for concern. In 2010, it was recorded that around 40% of Saint Lucia’s elderly population lived below the poverty line, with 21% living below the poverty line significantly.

As of 2024, approximately 9.5% of Saint Lucia’s population are 65 and older. As global life expectancy increases every year, this approximation is likely to increase. And yet, the Saint Lucian Ministry of Health has stated that this population is vulnerable to major forms of abuse, including financial abuse, which may relate to elderly poverty in Saint Lucia.

Solutions

The Saint Lucian government is making efforts to address elderly poverty in Saint Lucia every year. For instance, in 2025, there was a 3.9% increase in monthly pension payouts. This is all in an attempt to provide Saint Lucia’s population with the dignity they deserve.

Another change that the Saint Lucian government can make in order to promote the reduction of elderly poverty in Saint Lucia, is a stronger commitment to programs that aid the elderly. An example of this is the government actively working to manufacture a budget that is able to better provide support to the elderly population.

As of 2025, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment increased the amount of money that will go toward grassroot initiatives. This increase has allowed for the improvement of intervention strategies such as the Home Care Programme For Older Persons, which the Saint Lucian government originally introduced in 2012. With this increase, improvements including the introduction of weekend service to aid vulnerable elderly.

Outside of the government, there are many non-governmental organizations that aim to help with elderly poverty. For example, the charity the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League is focused on supporting commonwealth veterans. Founded in 1921 in Cape town, South Africa, the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League helps elderly veterans in Saint Lucia and around the world. It provides them with pension advice, as well the opportunity to receive “Two meal a day grants,” which as of 2024, has gone to 3,362 beneficiaries globally.

In Summary 

For the elderly population of Saint Lucia, towing the line of poverty has always been a risk. Although Saint Lucia has always promoted a focus on human rights, unfortunately, communities in Saint Lucia fall through the cracks. However, the Saint Lucian government is constantly making efforts financially to improve the elderly poverty of the elderly, such as increasing pensions. Furthermore, grassroot organizations that help provide care for the elderly should help mitigate poverty.

– Bernice Attawia

Bernice is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons