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Facts About Elderly Poverty in San Marino

Elderly Poverty in San MarinoSan Marino is the third smallest microstate in Europe, with a rich cultural and historical background, making it an idyllic location to visit. Despite being a high-income country that is actively pursuing environment driven approaches, its age demographics have shifted. San Marino’s elderly make up 23.1% of its population, exceeding the projected statistics and outweighing the younger population.

This statistic will continue to grow as San Marino projects low birth rates and high life expectancy. As a result, the government has taken steps to ensure that quality of life is obtainable by setting out to reform and expand its laws to alleviate elderly poverty in San Marino.

Elderly Poverty in San Marino

In San Marino, elderly poverty is not recorded as San Marino’s poverty rate is low enough to not make a distinction. However, the country has a high cost of living and income inequality that directly translates over to the elderly, who now face the lack of social support services provided.

Due to San Marino’s landlocked position and size, it is heavily reliant on Italy for support and resources. Additionally, with a rising prevalence in chronic disease, San Marino’s healthcare system has experienced strain. In local hospitals, where certain treatments and capabilities are unavailable, many patients are referred to hospitals in Italy, and while not ideal for immediate care, speaks to their strong diplomatic relationship.

San Marino’s social security program, updated in 2018, is detailed and has a set of conditions for each coverage. Depending on the coverage of the insured, the type of provisions according to their pensions are different, causing a disparity in accessibility.

However, despite these limitations, San Marino boasts a universal health care system, making it not only accessible but free for its citizens and residents and greatly benefiting the elderly population, who are no longer in the workforce and at a higher risk for health issues. 

San Marino’s Pension System

With San Marino having their population growth decreasing, there will be difficulties in sustaining and maintaining a workforce. As a result, San Marino sought to reform their pension system through Law no. 157 on November 29, 2022, ensuring that the retirement age for the elderly is at 66 years, introducing incentives and disincentives for those considering early or late retirement. 

With this reform, it ensures citizens aged 60 or higher are entitled to a seniority pension, regardless of the requirements outlined in Law no. 158, which San Marino’s government passed in October 2011. This is one way of ensuring that the government minimizes and controls elderly poverty in San Marino. This is one way to ensuring that the government minimizes and controls elderly poverty in San Marino.   

However, like many of its laws, this reform is strict and is subject to pension reductions depending on the age of the insured. This can prove to be a problem for older citizens who have severe health issues that cause early retirement. While it is not perfect, San Marino is able to ensure that more of its residents are able to live comfortably post-retirement.

The Società Unione Mutuo Soccorso (SUMS-Maschile), which directly translates into The Mutual Aid Union Society, founded in 1876, provides mutual aid to workers in the event of accidents, illnesses, old age or disability, to make up for lack of a welfare state. SUMS continues to provide aid to Sammarinese citizens, becoming a branch of support when government policies are not enough.

Looking Ahead

San Marino is ready to take the next step in continuing to alleviate elderly poverty in San Marino by improving living conditions not only for its older residents, but also for their younger ones as well. While its mortality rates and decline in birth rates are issues of their own, they have highlighted San Marino’s efforts in supporting its elderly population and how they have acted accordingly to shifts in their demographics. Through a continuation of reforming laws, help from SUMS-Maschile, and close attention to its changing demographics, San Marino is heading towards a society where its citizens are able to live in equal measures.

– Kianna Phosouvanh-Sythong

Kianna is based in Upper Darby, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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3 Reasons for Elderly Poverty in Eswatini

Elderly Poverty in EswatiniNearly 60% of the Eswatini population lives below the national poverty line. While poverty affects much of the population, studies consistently find that older persons are overrepresented in these poverty rates. One can trace elderly poverty in Eswatini back to three structural factors: limited social protection, rural economic dependence and long-term effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These structural factors continue to affect elderly poverty in Eswatini, and people across the country.

Weak Social Protection and Limited Pensions

Eswatini spends about 1% of its GDP on its social protection programs. This is the lowest share of GDP to social protection expenditure in the region. Social protection programs include the Old Age Grant, which gives a monthly stipend of E500 to Eswatini people age 60 and over. This amount, which translates to roughly $26 or €24, must stretch across multigenerational households. 

According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), more than 70% of the Eswatini population depends on small-scale agriculture for income and subsistence. This means that workers do not contribute to formal pensions. Because of this, many elderly Eswatini people rely solely on the Old Age Grant. 

Rural, Low-Productivity Economic Structure

About 75% of the Eswatini population live in rural areas, where poverty is highly prevalent, and depend on subsistence farming. Agriculture in Eswatini is vulnerable to drought and adverse weather, and the country ranks 128 out of 187 countries on the ND-GAIN climate vulnerability index. For older adults, this rural economic structure means income is often tied to physically demanding, climate-sensitive work. 

Beyond income limitations, access to services also plays a role in elderly poverty. Rural communities often face limited access to healthcare facilities, transportation and formal employment opportunities. For older adults, traveling long distances to clinics or markets can add additional financial strain. 

At the same time, high unemployment rates among younger generations reduce the likelihood that elderly parents will receive consistent financial support from adult children. In a country where generations often share household resources, economic instability affects not only working-age adults but also older family members who depend on collective income.

Long-Term Economic Effects of HIV/AIDS

Though Eswatini’s reported HIV prevalence has declined as treatment coverage expands, the epidemic continues to affect the population. UNAIDS data show roughly 27% of adults between the ages of 15 and 49 are living with HIV.

Earlier waves of the epidemic led to high mortality among working-age adults. This reshaped household structures and shifted caregiving responsibilities to grandparents and older relatives. 

A United Nations report on the impact of HIV/AIDS on generational roles found that older adults in heavily affected countries often assume primary caregiving roles for orphaned children. In Eswatini, where many elderly already rely on limited social grants, supporting younger dependents continues to strain household income and contribute to persistent poverty.

Although Eswatini has made progress in expanding HIV treatment coverage and increasing the reach of its Old Age Grant program, structural pressures continue to affect elderly poverty in Eswatini. In response, new community based initiatives have emerged. The Philani Maswati Old Age Home, established in 2017 and 2018 as the country’s first residential care facility for older persons, was created to provide housing and daily support for elderly individuals who face neglect or extreme poverty. The facility offers stable living environments for older adults who may not have reliable family support. This facility indicates recognition of the need for formal care services. While challenges persist, initiatives such as Philani Maswati signal gradual efforts to strengthen protections for older citizens and address elderly poverty in Eswatini.

Looking Ahead

Elderly poverty in Eswatini is shaped by limited pensions, a rural economy built around subsistence farming and the long-term effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Programs like the Old Age Grant show that the country is beginning to address these challenges. Continued efforts to expand support for the elderly is important as Eswatini works to reduce poverty across generations.

– Kale Overton

Kale is based in Ames, Iowa USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Elderly Poverty in Kiribati

Elderly Poverty in KiribatiElderly poverty in Kiribati is an important issue across the nation. Kiribati is an island nation that can be found in the central Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Australia. Currently, the population of this small island is 138,400, with a male-to-female ratio of 0.95 to 1. Elderly poverty in Kiribati is one of the main focuses of poverty in the islands. 

The Poverty in Kiribati

When it comes to the poverty in Kiribati itself, it goes all the way back to 2006, according to the World Bank, stating that about 21.8% of people in Kiribati lived below the national poverty line. This means that about one in five people could not afford basic needs like food, housing and other essentials.

The World Bank also measures poverty using global income levels, and they found that 12.9% of people lived on less than $1.90 per day compared to the 34.6% that lived on less than $3.20 per day. Even if the larger percentage is not in extreme poverty, a large portion of the population still lives with very low income. This does not mean, though, that the whole of Kiribati is like this; there is higher poverty in different areas, such as South Tarawa, having 24.2%, and the rest of the Gilbert islands at 22%. The people living in these areas experience more poverty than anywhere else in Kiribati.

Elderly Poverty in Kiribati

Poverty in Kiribati does not affect all groups equally. Certain populations are more vulnerable due to economic, social and health-related factors.  According to information from the Save Kiribati website, certain groups in Kiribati society face a higher risk of poverty, including large low-income families, unemployed individuals and elderly people without family support.

The elderly in Kiribati are one of the groups that can be particularly vulnerable to poverty, especially when they do not have children or family members to support them. In Kiribati culture, elderly individuals traditionally rely on their extended family for financial help and daily care, as stated in a Kiribati country case study. Extended family support systems in Kiribati are weakening as people increasingly prioritize their nuclear families. This shift can leave vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals, with less social and financial support than in the past.

Many elderly individuals face health problems that make it difficult for them to work or support themselves. Improving access to affordable health care and medical services can reduce financial stress and improve the quality of life for older adults. The article “Leave no-one behind: social protection reducing poverty in Kiribati” by Ruth Cross Kwansing talks about how the Kiribati government increased financial support for elderly citizens through a program called the Senior Citizens Allowance (SCA). The Senior Citizens Allowance was first introduced in 2004 and provides monthly payments to citizens aged 65 and older to help cover basic living expenses.

In recent years, the government has increased the allowance to support elderly citizens better, and thousands of older adults now receive assistance through the program. This is just the beginning; elders are still struggling from poverty because of the missing support from their families, so it’s important to recognize still the issues that are still at hand.

Additional Efforts To Address Elderly Poverty

In addition to the Senior Citizens Allowance, development partners such as the Australian government have supported social protection initiatives in Kiribati. These programs aim to strengthen social services, improve healthcare access, and provide support to vulnerable populations, including the elderly. Such initiatives help reduce financial stress and improve living conditions for older adults experiencing elderly poverty in Kiribati.

Looking Ahead

Elderly poverty in Kiribati remains a serious challenge for many older citizens. While traditional family support systems once played a significant role in caring for the elderly, social and economic changes have reduced this support for some individuals. Government programs and development initiatives are important steps toward improving the quality of life for elderly people in Kiribati and reducing poverty among this vulnerable population.

– Grelby Santos

Grelby is based in Boston, MA, US and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in Lesotho

Elderly Poverty in LesothoLesotho, a small, landlocked country in southern Africa, continues to face high levels of poverty and unemployment. While much attention is often given to youth unemployment and child poverty, elderly poverty remains a serious but less visible challenge. Many older adults in Lesotho struggle to meet basic needs and rely heavily on limited social protection and family support to survive.

According to the World Bank, about 49% of Lesotho’s population lives below the national poverty line, with poverty rates significantly higher in rural areas where most older people reside. As people age, their ability to earn income through physical labor declines, yet access to formal pension systems remains limited. Many elderly individuals worked in informal employment or subsistence agriculture during their productive years, leaving them without stable retirement income.

The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Elderly Households

Lesotho’s high HIV/AIDS prevalence has further deepened elderly poverty. The country has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, estimated at around 22% among adults, according to UNAIDS. As a result, many older adults have become primary caregivers for grandchildren after losing adult children to the disease. UNICEF reports that elderly caregivers often use their limited income to cover food, school fees and healthcare costs for dependents, increasing financial strain and vulnerability within already poor households.

Lesotho’s high HIV/AIDS prevalence has further deepened elderly poverty. The country has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, estimated at around 22% among adults, according to UNAIDS. As a result, many older adults have become primary caregivers for grandchildren after losing adult children to the disease. UNICEF reports that elderly caregivers often use their limited income to cover food, school fees and healthcare costs for dependents, increasing financial strain and vulnerability within already poor households.

Government Support Through the Old Age Pension

To address elderly poverty, the government of Lesotho introduced a non-contributory Old Age Pension (OAP) in 2004, providing monthly cash transfers to citizens aged 70 years and above. The pension reaches more than 80% of eligible older persons, making it one of the most extensive social protection programs in the country. Research by HelpAge International shows that the pension supports more than 83,000 older people in Lesotho and has helped reduce extreme poverty, improve food security and increase access to basic healthcare among beneficiaries. However, the pension amount remains modest and is often insufficient to fully cover rising living costs, especially as food prices and medical expenses increase.

Healthcare Access and Ongoing Challenges

Healthcare access remains a major challenge for elderly people living in poverty in Lesotho. Many older adults suffer from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and arthritis. While the country has expanded primary healthcare services, barriers such as transportation costs, long travel distances and limited access to specialized care persist, particularly in rural communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that older adults in low-income countries face higher risks of untreated chronic conditions due to financial and structural barriers within healthcare systems. 

The Role of NGOs in Supporting the Elderly

Non-governmental organizations also play a key role in supporting elderly people living in poverty in Lesotho. HelpAge International works with local partners to provide social protection support, healthcare outreach and advocacy for older people’s rights. In some communities, elderly beneficiaries report using pension income and NGO support to afford food, access healthcare services and care for dependents, helping to improve overall household stability. These programs help bridge gaps where government support alone is insufficient, particularly for elderly caregivers responsible for grandchildren.

Looking Ahead

Reducing elderly poverty in Lesotho requires sustained investment in social protection, healthcare services and community-based support systems. Strengthening the Old Age Pension, expanding age-friendly healthcare access and supporting families caring for older relatives can help reduce vulnerability.

As Lesotho continues its efforts toward poverty reduction, greater attention to the needs of its ageing population is essential. Ensuring that older adults can live with dignity, access basic services and remain socially included is a critical part of inclusive and sustainable development.

– Segun Oyekale

Segun is based in Lagos, Nigeria and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in Slovenia

Elderly Poverty in SloveniaElderly poverty in Slovenia is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, despite the country’s reputation for strong social protection systems. A significant number of older adults struggle to afford necessities such as food, housing and health care due to rising living costs, population aging and limited pensions.

Pensions and Income Insecurity Among Older Adults

Most older people in Slovenia rely on their pensions as their primary source of income. However, they frequently do not keep up with inflation and rising living costs. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports that many workers in Slovenia have net pension replacement rates below the OECD average, leaving retirees vulnerable to income instability.

Women, who frequently have interrupted work histories and lower lifetime earnings, are disproportionately affected by lower pensions. After retirement, the likelihood of falling into poverty rises sharply. According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, older individuals in Slovenia are more likely than the general population to experience poverty or social exclusion.

Due to fixed incomes and limited access to informal support networks, older single-person households are more likely to face financial strain.

Rising Living Costs and Housing Pressure

Poverty among older adults in Slovenia has worsened due to rising housing and energy costs. Although many seniors live in privately owned homes, they often struggle to pay for utilities, maintenance and heating. Income poverty and material deprivation are closely linked.

Eurostat reports that a significant share of Slovenia’s population cannot keep their homes warm enough. Older people with limited incomes are also heavily burdened by health care costs. Despite Slovenia’s universal health care system, long-term care services and prescription drugs can be costly.

Generally, older people with lower incomes are more likely to delay or forgo medical treatment due to financial constraints, increasing health risks and deepening poverty.

Social Isolation and Hidden Poverty

In Slovenia, social isolation and poverty among older people are closely related. Reduced social engagement is common among older adults with low incomes, which can worsen mental health outcomes and increase vulnerability. According to a European Commission report, poverty and insufficient income support are closely linked to social exclusion among older populations.

Policies and Programs Addressing Elderly Poverty

Energy subsidies for low-income households, social assistance supplements and minimum pension schemes are some of the policies the Slovenian government has implemented to reduce elderly poverty. Although there are still gaps for those with limited pension entitlements, the European Commission claims that these social transfers play a significant role in reducing poverty risks among older adults.

Long-term investments in adequate pensions, affordable health care and targeted social support are necessary to address elderly poverty in Slovenia. Ensuring financial security and dignity in later life can be achieved by strengthening income protection and expanding support for vulnerable older adults. In addition to improving individual well-being, reducing elderly poverty supports broader initiatives to reduce inequality and promote inclusive economic development.

– Honey Regev

Honey is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Elderly Poverty in Saint Lucia

Elderly Poverty in Saint LuciaThe 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

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Humanitarian Efforts To Address Elderly Poverty in Tonga

Elderly Poverty in TongaElderly poverty in Tonga has long been a concern due to limited formal employment opportunities, reliance on subsistence livelihoods and traditional family-based care systems. As of 2021, the overall elderly poverty rate was 22.1% in Tonga, with rural and outer islander communities being affected more than urban communities. In recent years, Tonga has taken meaningful steps to improve the economic security and well-being of its older population through social protection initiatives, policy development and partnerships with regional and international organizations.

Improving Health Care Access for Older Adults

One of the most significant developments in addressing elderly poverty in Tonga has been the expansion of social welfare and health care programs for older adults. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Tonga has strengthened its social protection framework to support vulnerable populations, including seniors. In December 2023, the government and ADB signed a $16.18 million USD grant to improve safe and high-quality health care services for older individuals and their caregivers.

In November 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the Health Enhancement and Resiliency in Tonga (HEART) Project, which granted $30 million USD towards non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Improved health care access plays a critical role in reducing elderly poverty, as untreated illness often leads to increased financial strain and dependence.

Regional and Community-Based Support Initiatives

Regional organizations have also contributed to reducing elderly poverty. According to HelpAge International, Tonga has increasingly participated in age-inclusive policy discussions within the Asia-Pacific region. These efforts promote the rights of older people and encourage governments to integrate aging considerations into national development strategies.

At the community level, local organizations and churches continue to play an important role in supporting elderly Tongans. While family-based care remains central to Tongan culture, these community networks provide additional assistance such as food support, social engagement and caregiving for seniors who lack immediate family support. Organizations include Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u Charity and Tongan Health Society.

Financial Plans and Social Security

Financial plans are an effective way to reduce elderly poverty in Tonga, given that the majority of jobs are labor-intensive. Tonga established the National Retirement Benefits Fund (NRBF) under the National Retirement Benefits Scheme (NRBS) Act of 2010 to provide financial security for Tongans in old age. The fund offers benefits related to retirement between the ages of 60 and 70, as well as support in cases of permanent total disability, early release or death.

In addition to providing retirement benefits, the NRBF promotes national savings and investment, helping working Tongans build long-term financial stability for old age. Complementing this system, Tonga introduced a Social Welfare Scheme in September 2012, which provides monthly financial assistance of $65 TOP to elderly citizens aged 75 and older. This offers direct income support to some of the country’s most vulnerable seniors.

Overall, elderly poverty in Tonga is improving through expanded social protection, health care investment and age-inclusive policy development supported by regional and international aid. While the elderly population makes up approximately 3% of Tonga’s population, the goal is to ensure they have access to funds whenever they need them. Through local and regional organizations and government grants, the road to ending elderly poverty in Tonga is near. 

– Simran Dev

Simran is based in Caledon, ON, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Why Elderly Poverty in Mozambique Is Rising

Elderly Poverty in MozambiqueWidespread poverty continues to erode living conditions across Mozambique, leaving older adults among the country’s most vulnerable populations as economic crises and weak social protection systems drive financial insecurity. Here is some information about elderly poverty in Mozambique and information about what is occurring to address it.

Economic Crisis Deepens Elderly Hardship

Economic shocks deepen elderly poverty in Mozambique, as rising food and fuel prices undermine economic stability, strain household budgets and push vulnerable older adults further into financial insecurity. COVID-19, natural disasters, inflation and social instability have compounded elderly poverty in Mozambique. Many older Mozambicans rely on small-scale agriculture, livestock and informal income sources for survival, yet still fall below the poverty line. The loss of job opportunities and the increase in essential goods and social services reduce older adults’ purchasing power, forcing them to cut back on nutritious foods, health care and other basic needs.

In 2015, nearly half of Mozambique’s population– approximately 46.1%–lived below the poverty line. By 2022, this figure had surged to 65%, and recent estimates suggest that by 2025 nearly 75% of Mozambicans live in poverty, with approximately 1.35 million adults aged 60 and older facing severe economic hardship, highlighting the growing scale of elderly poverty in Mozambique.

Weak Social Protection Aggravates Elderly Poverty

Limited economic capacity, along with weaknesses and inefficiencies in Mozambique’s domestic social protection and administrative systems, drives vulnerability among the elderly population.

Although the Basic Social Subsidy Programme for older adults (PSSB-Elderly) in Mozambique improves food security following economic shock, structural and systemic weaknesses in program implementation cause these gains to diminish over time. Uneven distribution of PSSB payments has led to significant regional disparities among older adults across Mozambique. In Gaza, approximately 73% of poor older adults benefit from the program, while coverage remains far lower in poorer provinces such as Nampula and Zambezia, where the program reaches only 39% of elderly individuals.

Despite existing health inequities, inconsistencies in PSSB payments also reduce the program’s effectiveness, leaving many older Mozambicans vulnerable to food insecurity and health problems.

Irregular PSSB payments and program design that incentivizes households to declare additional members can increase instability and uncertainty, potentially worsening living conditions for beneficiaries.

Addressing Poverty and the Health Crisis in Mozambique

In 2021, GiveDirectly began delivering unconditional monthly cash transfers to rural households in Sofala Province to reduce extreme poverty and strengthen household resilience. The program provides direct cash assistance to individuals and families, allowing recipients to decide how best to meet their own needs.

GiveDirectly also aims to improve food security, expand financial inclusion and support long-term recovery. Since 2021, GiveDirectly has expanded its program across multiple districts, including Mogovolas, Nhamatanda and Memba, and launched initiatives focused on climate-smart agriculture and conflict-resilient livelihood in 2024 and 2025.

By 2025, GiveDirectly had implemented five cash transfer programs, delivering more than $20 million in cash transfers and reaching more than 32,000 people across Mozambique. Individuals and households used the cash to secure food, access health care and economic investment.

At the same time, the World Institute for Development Economic Research of the United Nations University recommends strengthening administrative systems, ensuring more equitable PSSB payment coverage among older adults and improving payment consistency to support elderly well-being in Mozambique.

Looking Ahead

Reducing elderly poverty in Mozambique requires sustained investment and financial support to address long-standing economic hardship due to recurrent natural disasters and domestic conflict, along with strengthening the country’s social protection systems to ensure reliable financial security for older adults.

– Yuhan Rong

Yuhan is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in Montenegro

Elderly Poverty in MontenegroIn recent years, the population of Montenegro has been characterized by its growing number of older citizens. During the last 50 years, the population of people aged 60 and older has tripled.

The trend of a fast-aging population is concentrated in the country’s rural northern municipalities, which are home to more than half of Montenegro’s poor population. This rise is due to a stagnating birth count, increased life expectancy and a growing trend in young people moving away from the country – resulting in a reduced population base for reproduction.

The increase in an aging population is predicted to continue: by 2050, the UN estimates that 30% of the nation’s population will consist of older persons (people who are above the age of 65).

This article will identify some of the key causes of elderly poverty in Montenegro, what elderly poverty in Montenegro looks like and what solutions the Montenegrin government is rolling out to try and combat elderly poverty in a country whose population is rapidly aging.

Key Issues That the Elderly in Montenegro Face

Older and elderly people are already among the nation’s vulnerable, and a vast majority of them live in the most rural areas of the country – particularly in the nation’s north, where urbanization has been slower to progress.

The Red Cross of Montenegro has reported that many elderly and older persons are increasingly isolated from younger family members and the youthful population. The youth of Montenegro are more inclined to move away from rural areas towards the cities in the south, or are likely to seek opportunity further afield – through travel, work or study abroad. As a result, elderly and older citizens are increasingly cut-off from opportunity and resources: older persons living in poverty in Montenegro’s rural areas have less access to social transport options, are less likely to access medical services and are less able to rely on assistance from younger people.

The elderly living in poverty are thus at risk of a lack of community, as the physical and social gap widens between this age group and younger generations. As the elderly population’s physical mobility becomes reduced, the logistics of travelling from place to place becomes more restricted, particularly in rural areas where transport options are few and far between.

One can see the roots of elderly poverty in Montenegro in the wider context of poverty within the country. In October 2025, Marina Medojević, President of The Food Bank – one of Montenegro’s many NGOs committed to tackling domestic poverty – stated that one-fifth of the country’s population lives in poverty. Medojević emphasized that the nation’s most vulnerable groups – including ‘‘the unemployed, sick, and elderly” – feel the effects of poverty the sharpest.

Government Efforts

Poverty affects a large percentage of Montenegro’s population, but elderly poverty is particularly an issue, as the population of older persons increases and many of them exist on a very low income. More than half of retirees in Montenegro are surviving on minimum benefits – an income that is less than half the average salary. Moreover, many elderly and older persons rely on the material support (MO) benefit, which UNICEF has reported to be “inadequate for households which rely solely on this program as their source of income to meet their basic needs.”

As the government of Montenegro works towards gaining EU membership, some are calling for it to treat elderly poverty in Montenegro as a priority when it comes to modernizing social systems. The government has already taken steps to address elderly poverty in Montenegro:

In 2024, responding to the pressures to increase social benefits for older and elderly citizens, the government raised minimum monthly pension benefits  to EUR 450 – more than doubling the previous allowance. The Montenegrin government increased social transfers from 11% of total GDP in 2021 to 13.8% in 2024, demonstrating an effort to reform some of the social systems that protect vulnerable citizens, including the elderly. The government has also invested in constructing residential homes for the elderly, in order to meet the increasing demand due to the rate of growth of the elderly population.

The Red Cross’ Work

Other organizations, such as the Red Cross, help target the issue of elderly poverty and elderly isolation in Montenegro, by facilitating home care and social clubs. As part of its social clubs, the Red Cross connects elderly people with experts across many different fields – including doctors, psychologists and lawyers – to provide them with advice and opportunities to keep learning and to benefit their health and wellbeing.

UNDP and Local Programs

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also supports local programs aimed at supporting the elderly population of Montenegro. This includes the Andrijevica Retirees Association, who were able to start the “Veterans” project with funding from the EU. This project promoted social activities in the local community for older persons, focusing on fostering wellbeing and improving quality of life for the elderly. The “Veterans” project further sought to make information about health care facilities more accessible for elderly citizens living in Andrijevica, a small town in the nation’s north. 

Moving Forward

Many organizations are still calling for further action to occur. In its Social Protection Situational Analysis of 2022, UNICEF reported that “the country will need to further improve its poverty-targeted programs,” and that the “financing of social services has been low and a minimum level of services cannot be guaranteed…which will only be exacerbated by an aging population requiring long term care.” This analysis predicts that greater demand will lead to greater strain on Montenegro’s social services, if the government does not implement reforms to prevent this.

– Anna Clare

Anna is based in Chester, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Elderly Poverty in the Solomon Islands 

Elderly Poverty in the Solomon IslandsRuth Kamu is a 43-year-old market vendor from Honiara in the Solomon Islands. She earns about $690 USD per week selling peanuts at her stall in the market. Ruth is not yet of retirement age.  Even so, she became one of the first people in the Solomon Islands to open a “voluntary pension account” under a government program called youSave. This program is one of many initiatives the government launched to remedy the problem of elderly poverty in the Solomon Islands.

Elderly Poverty Rates in the Solomon Islands

As of 2012, statistics showed the elderly poverty rate in the Solomon Islands was between 27% and 32%. Since then, the population of older adults in the country has grown with about 5.6% of the population being 60 years old or older. With longer life expectancy and demographic ageing, the elderly population of the Pacific is expected to quadruple to about 2 million people by 2050.

Elderly poverty in the Solomon Islands is a major concern because they are geographically isolated. Transportation and access to physical banks are limited and the economy is mostly informal which means most seniors don’t have access to formal safety nets. This makes them especially vulnerable when resources run out. Waiting for resources to replenish puts the elderly at high risk of losing income.

YouSave Program

Older adults like Ruth are benefiting from the “youSave” program. It is a voluntary pension program the Solomon Islands Central Bank put in place specifically to help the self-employed.  Launched in 2017, it allows elderly people to have a savings account designed for their retirement.

In addition, the Solomon Islands launched its National Financial Inclusion Strategy to expand access to financial services across the country.  It focuses on digital financial access to ensure affordable, quality financial services for all citizens. It aims to make banking more accessible, reducing elderly poverty in the Solomon Islands. The Prime Minister of the islands described it as, “an important road map to improve financial access.”

What’s more, the strategy aims to develop digital marketing tools and money innovations through partnerships with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the International Labor Organization (ILO), government telecommunications and postal services. The strategy increases access to savings, payments and financial empowerment for people in the informal economy including many elderly people without access to a bank.

No State Pension

Because the country doesn’t have a social protection system designed specifically for the elderly, like a state pension, these services are essential to reduce elderly poverty in the Solomon Islands. Studies show, if the government were to adopt these measures, the elderly population would find themselves in much improved circumstances. An Australian government study found spending 2.6% of gross domestic product on benefits for children and older adults could reduce the Solomon Islands’ poverty gap by 21%.

In her remarks at the launch of the strategy, Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Doctor Lachlan Strahan, said the Australian government was proud to support the strategy. “We are looking forward to seeing it being implemented and delivering safe, secure and cost-effective access to more Solomon Islanders,” she said.

Solomon Islanders no longer need to hide retirement savings under their mattresses for financial autonomy. They can save for their retirement by using “digital jam jars.”  These virtual jam jars, patterned after traditional ways of saving, help people visualize their financial resources when they don’t have access to a bank. Users Of “digital jam jars” can build up their savings and be better prepared for unforeseen circumstances or save for their future.

Conclusion

Elderly people like Ruth Kamu struggle to save for their retirement in the Solomon Islands. With the elderly population expected to grow significantly in the next several years, the government is implementing programs to help. These programs go a long way towards helping the elderly of the Solomon Islands reach financial autonomy.

– Caleb Dueck

Caleb is based in Winnipeg, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Freepik