Old-age poverty in Germany | DW Documentary

Summary

In Germany, one in five pensioners faces the grim reality of poverty, with many living on less than 60% of the average income. The documentary highlights the struggles of individuals like Inga, who, despite a lifetime of work, now relies on charity for sustenance. Ulli, once a successful entrepreneur, now grapples with the harsh consequences of globalization and bankruptcy. Gisela's story underscores the financial sacrifices made by those who care for relatives, often leading to old-age poverty. The narrative calls for societal and political change to address this injustice, as these pensioners, once contributors to society, now fight for basic dignity and survival.

Takeaways

• 🇩🇪 One in five people in Germany, including pensioners, are at risk of poverty, highlighting a significant social issue.
• 👵 Old-age poverty is a taboo subject in Germany, often ignored despite its prevalence among the elderly population.
• 🏠 Many pensioners, like Inga, live below the poverty line, struggling to afford basic necessities due to meager pensions.
• 🍲 Organizations like 'Lichtblick' offer free lunches and support to pensioners in poverty, providing a lifeline for those in need.
• 🚴‍♂️ Individuals like Ulli, once successful entrepreneurs, now face old-age poverty due to market changes and lack of retirement savings.
• 🏡 Gisela's story illustrates how caring for a family member can lead to financial hardship and old-age poverty, affecting many in Germany.
• 💰 The German pension system's reliance on voluntary private schemes leaves many self-employed individuals without adequate retirement funds.
• 📈 The script points out the widening gap between the rich and the poor, with the elderly particularly vulnerable to the effects of poverty.
• 🌱 Some, like Inga, find solace and strength in nature and their faith, using these as coping mechanisms amidst financial struggles.
• 🗣️ The script calls for societal and political change, urging for a more equitable distribution of wealth and recognition of the plight of the elderly.

Q & A

What is the poverty risk among the general population in Germany?

One in five people in Germany is at risk of poverty.

Which demographic is particularly affected by poverty in Germany?

Pensioners are especially affected by poverty in Germany.

Why is old-age poverty considered a taboo subject in Germany?

Old-age poverty is a taboo subject in Germany because it is tolerated as long as it is not discussed openly.

What is the financial situation of Inga, the 67-year-old mentioned in the script?

Inga, a 67-year-old, lives below Germany's poverty line and receives a small pension that is not enough to cover her living expenses.

How does Inga cope with her limited income?

Inga is very careful with her purchases and generally eats very little, as she has forgotten how to eat when money is scarce.

What is the term used in Germany to describe pensioners with less than 60% of the average income?

In Germany, such pensioners are referred to as being in 'relative poverty.'

How did Ulli, a 72-year-old pensioner, end up in financial difficulty?

Ulli, who was a pioneer of digital video transmission and had his own company, went bankrupt due to the globalized market and lost everything.

What method does Ulli use to manage his limited monthly income?

Ulli uses an envelope for every week with a set amount of money that he must make last for that week.

Why did Gisela fall into poverty despite not being self-employed or having an accident?

Gisela fell into poverty because she spent eleven years caring for her father, which reduced her working hours, earnings, and consequently her pension.

What is the financial consequence for those who care for a relative in Germany?

In Germany, one in five people who care for a relative are at risk of falling into poverty, and for female carers, it's one in four.

How does the café 'Café Elementar' operate, and why is it significant for Ulli?

Café Elementar operates without fixed prices, allowing customers to donate what they can. It is significant for Ulli as it provides a place where he feels valued as a human being, not defined by his financial status.

Outlines

00:00

👵 Old-Age Poverty in Germany

The first paragraph introduces the issue of old-age poverty in Germany, highlighting that one in five pensioners live below the poverty line. It features Inga, a 67-year-old woman who relies on a small pension and struggles to make ends meet. Inga attends a free lunch organized by the 'Lichtblick' association, where she shares her experience of living with limited resources and the emotional toll it takes. The paragraph also discusses the broader implications of relative poverty, affecting one in five German pensioners, and the challenges faced by individuals like Inga and Ulli, who must find ways to cope with their financial constraints.

05:04

💼 The Consequences of Self-Employment and Caregiving

The second paragraph delves into the stories of Ulli and Gisela, exploring how different circumstances can lead to old-age poverty. Ulli, once a successful entrepreneur, now lives on a limited income due to the collapse of his business in the face of globalization. He has developed a strict budgeting system to manage his finances. Gisela, on the other hand, fell into poverty after spending eleven years caring for her father, which reduced her working hours and, consequently, her pension. The paragraph underscores the societal issue of inadequate financial support for caregivers and the impact on women, who are more likely to face poverty as a result of their caregiving roles.

10:05

🌳 Coping Mechanisms and Calls for Change

The third paragraph focuses on the coping mechanisms and the desire for societal change among the elderly facing poverty. Inga finds solace in nature and draws strength from her fighting spirit, advocating for a collective effort to address the injustice. Ulli expresses his hope for a more equitable distribution of wealth and recognition of the contributions made by the elderly. Both individuals emphasize the importance of community support and the need for political action to alleviate the financial struggles of the aging population.

Keywords

💡Poverty

Poverty refers to the state of being extremely poor, often lacking the basic necessities of life such as food, clean water, and shelter. In the context of the video, it is a central theme as it discusses the plight of pensioners in Germany who live below the poverty line, unable to afford basic needs. The video mentions that 'One in five people in Germany is at risk of poverty,' highlighting the prevalence of this issue among the elderly.

💡Pensioners

Pensioners are individuals who have retired from work and are receiving a pension. The video emphasizes the vulnerability of this group, especially in Germany, where many pensioners struggle with poverty. The script features stories of pensioners like Inga and Ulli, who live on meager pensions and face financial hardships, illustrating the challenges faced by this demographic.

💡Relative Poverty

Relative poverty is a measure of poverty that compares an individual's or household's income to the average income of a society. In the video, it is mentioned that pensioners are considered to be in relative poverty if they have less than 60% of the average German income. This concept is crucial in understanding the economic disparity and the extent to which pensioners are marginalized in society.

💡Lichtblick

Lichtblick, meaning 'ray of hope' in German, is the name of the association organizing free lunches for impoverished pensioners. The video uses this term to symbolize the support and relief provided to those in need. Inga, one of the pensioners featured, attends a free lunch organized by Lichtblick, which not only offers her a meal but also a chance to socialize and find some respite from her daily struggles.

💡Self-Employment

Self-employment refers to individuals who work for themselves rather than for an employer. The video discusses how self-employed individuals in Germany often do not pay into the public pension fund, leading to potential old-age poverty. Ulli, a former entrepreneur, is an example of someone who, due to his self-employment status and the lack of a substantial pension fund, now struggles with financial insecurity in his old age.

💡Caregiver

A caregiver is someone who provides care for a family member or loved one who needs assistance with daily activities. The video highlights Gisela's story, who became impoverished after spending eleven years caring for her father. It underscores the financial sacrifices made by caregivers, especially women, who often reduce their working hours to provide care, resulting in lower pensions and an increased risk of poverty.

💡Financial Worries

Financial worries refer to the stress and anxiety caused by concerns over money and financial stability. Throughout the video, characters like Ulli and Inga express their constant worry about not having enough money to cover their basic needs. The video captures the emotional toll of living in poverty and the mental burden it places on individuals.

💡Charitable Organizations

Charitable organizations are non-profit entities that provide aid and support to those in need. In the video, Inga seeks help from a charitable organization, which is a stark contrast to her previous life as a nursery schoolteacher. This highlights the role of such organizations in alleviating poverty and providing essential services to vulnerable populations.

💡Globalization

Globalization is the process by which businesses and other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale. The video mentions how Ulli's company was affected by globalization, as foreign companies produced parts more cheaply, leading to his bankruptcy. This example illustrates the economic challenges faced by local businesses in a globalized market and its impact on individual livelihoods.

💡Social Injustice

Social injustice refers to unfair treatment or unequal access to resources and opportunities within a society. The video's characters express their frustration with the social injustice they face, particularly in regards to inadequate pensions and lack of support for the elderly. The video calls for societal change and a more equitable distribution of resources to address the issue of old-age poverty.

💡Community Support

Community support refers to the assistance and solidarity provided by members of a community to one another. The video showcases 'Café Elementar,' a place where customers pay what they can for food and drinks, symbolizing a community's effort to support its members regardless of their financial situation. This concept is a counterpoint to the broader themes of poverty and social injustice, highlighting the potential for community-based solutions.

Highlights

One in five people in Germany is at risk of poverty, with pensioners being especially affected.

Old-age poverty is a taboo subject in Germany, often tolerated as long as it's not discussed.

Many pensioners receive a pension that is insufficient to cover basic living expenses.

Inga, a 67-year-old, relies on a free lunch organized by the association 'Lichtblick' due to living below the poverty line.

Pensioners like Inga have to be very careful with their food shopping and often eat very little.

One in five German pensioners have less than 60% of the average German income, placing them at risk of poverty.

Inga, previously a nursery schoolteacher, fell into poverty after a road accident left her unable to work.

Inga's 800-euro pension only covers rent and bills, forcing her to work as a private child-carer to afford food.

Ulli, a 72-year-old, lives on around 300 euros a month after fixed costs, using meditation to cope with financial stress.

Ulli's past as a pioneer of digital video transmission and business owner contrasts sharply with his current financial struggles.

Many self-employed individuals in Germany do not contribute to the public pension fund, leading to old-age poverty.

Gisela lives in poverty after spending eleven years caring for her father, which reduced her working hours and pension.

Caring for a relative can lead to poverty for many, especially female carers, as they often reduce their working hours to provide care.

Gisela's pension is barely sufficient to cover her basic needs, with no money left at the end of the month.

Gisela expresses her frustration with growing poverty in Germany through poetry, advocating for change.

Café Elementar offers a pay-what-you-can model, providing a supportive community for those struggling financially.

Inga finds solace in her faith and nature, advocating for change and fighting against the injustice of old-age poverty.

Ulli hopes for political change that leads to a more equitable distribution of wealth in Germany.

Transcripts

One in five people in Germany is at risk of poverty.

Pensioners are especially affected.

Old-age poverty is still a taboo subject in Germany.

It’s tolerated as long as no one talks about it.

The tiny pension is not enough to live on.

Please open your eyes.

I can't bare it anymore.

I'm not the only one.

Millions of pensioners feel the same way.

We’re in Munich.

Inga, who doesn't want to give her full name, is on her way to a

free lunch organized by the association “Lichtblick” – meaning

ray of hope.

The 67-year-old only receives a small pension and lives below

Germany’s poverty line.

I am very careful what I buy when I’m food shopping.

And I generally eat very little.

You forget how to eat when you no longer have the money.

You don’t dream about things like: 'Oh, I'll have goose

today', for example.

That's just gone from your mind as an option, it’s deleted.

One in five German pensioners are in a similar position.

They are at risk of poverty in old age.

In Germany, it is referred to as relative poverty.

In other words, they have less than 60% of the average German income.

Enjoy your food.

Inga doesn't meet many new people.

She'd be happy today to make a new friend.

But she is still a little sceptical.

I eat organic, and no meat, never.

And what's that?

Oh potatoes.

Beans, potato salad and fried potatoes.

Filling too, isn't it?

There was plenty food- and it was good.

But unfortunately, I can't eat that much.

I would have eaten more, but I just can't.

But I did get to know Maria and was able to talk to her a bit.

And gosh, it’s a huge place.

I think I'd like to stay here for a week and just read.

Inga never thought she would need help from a charitable organization

set up for poor pensioners.

She worked as a nursery schoolteacher all her life.

But a road accident changed everything- she got seriously injured

through no fault of her own.

Afterwards, she was unable to work.

And eventually fell into poverty.

I didn't fall into it because I didn’t work hard enough, I fell into

it because of a situation that wasn't my fault.

And that's what changed my entire life.

Working, surviving, fighting.

I don't know anything else.

Her 800-euro pension is just enough to cover her rent and regular bills.

To buy food, she works as a private child-carer for families.

She barely makes ends meet.

Why are you still living this damn life?

And then I tell myself: the children need you, the children need you.

That's what keeps me going.

Otherwise, I think my life would already be over.

I want to say this quite openly to the camera.

There's no more pleasure in life if you can't take part in it.

Ulli also has to make do with very little.

After deducting fixed costs, the pensioner is left with around 300

euros a month.

To take his mind off his financial worries, the 72-year-old likes to

cycle through nature.

I meditate a lot in the moor because I have peace and quiet here.

When I meditate, I mentally put my financial worries

into little bubbles.

And the wind then carries these little bubbles away with it.

Ulli lives in a small one-bedroom flat near Munich.

His bed is in the living room.

That's all he can afford, but things used to be quite different.

Ulli was a pioneer of digital video transmission and had his own company.

In the good times, I brought home up to 10,000 German marks a month.

I lived in houses that had 180 square meters of living space.

It was a comfortable life.

But soon companies abroad started producing the parts cheaper and

smaller - the globalized market made him go bankrupt.

He lost everything.

I have one little necklace left.

Here, this golden one.

Everything else got confiscated.

And sure, it’s justified, it was my mistake.

I didn’t put much to the side.

I just thought: we’re going to enjoy our lives now.

If you are self-employed in Germany, you don't have to pay into

the public pension fund.

Retirement schemes are voluntary and private.

That’s why many people end up like Ulli - they pay too little or nothing

at all into a pension fund and end up in old-age poverty.

Ulli has developed a method to make ends meet with the little he’s got:

An envelope for every week – the money inside will have to do.

Because I organize myself so systematically, I know where

my limits are.

Now, for example, there's only 20 euros left because I had to buy

cleaning products this week.

In Gisela's case, neither self-employment nor an accident were

the reason for her money problems.

Today, she lives in poverty because she cared for her father

for eleven years.

He was always there for his family, he did everything.

You don’t forget that.

That’s why I considered it a given to be there for my parents, too.

I never gave it a second thought.

It's not just Gisela who suffers the consequences of her own

selflessness in old age.

In Germany, one in five people who care for a relative is at risk of

falling into poverty.

For female carers, it is even one in four.

They use their time for caring, reduce their working hours, earn less

and therefore receive a smaller pension.

The small pension you get is not enough to live on later in life,

which ultimately leads to old-age poverty for carers.

But caring for a relative saves the health insurance, the state and

everyone involved a lot of money.

It’s just so wrong to then not compensate these

people enough financially.

Today, the 75-year-old lives in a council flat in Bonn in West

Germany, together with her two cats, her most loyal companions.

She has 600 euros to live on after rent and bills.

That's the minimum you need to live on here.

At the end of the month, there is nothing left.

At least I have my cats, they're like a therapist.

First, I use my money to take care of them.

That's more important.

I don't need to have much.

When Gisela goes grocery shopping, her money problems become apparent.

She doesn’t go to the supermarket much, because there, groceries are

often sold in big quantities, which she can’t afford.

At the farm shop though, she can buy smaller amounts.

That's it for you?

Yes.

I bought some apples, a small cucumber, which is enough for me for

two days, and the carrots.

You can make salad and soup out of that.

Gisela expresses her frustration about the growing poverty in

Germany in poems.

People, especially women who are much engaged, can build on poverty

in old age.

I think you have to draw attention to it again and again.

Not with force, but with this .

You have to call a spade a spade, hoping that it will bring change.

At Ulli’s favorite coffee place, this change has already come about.

At “Café Elementar”, there are no fixed prices for cakes and

cappuccinos, you donate what you can give.

For Ulli, it's a place where he really feels at home.

Here he met Rainer and Lore - and found something that money can't buy.

You can come in here and be a guest.

Not as a beggar.

A human being.

As a valued human being.

Exactly.

Whether you're sad, whether you're happy, or angry.

It's not your wallet that counts here, but mutual support.

This has built me up so much, I could cry right now.

It was so beautiful.

And that’s fine.

What we have here is not felt here, but here.

As you said earlier Rainer, the food you eat disappears, the clothes go,

but your experiences, your feelings, they stay forever.

What the café is to Ulli, the Bible is for Inga.

She reads it every day.

It helps her to overcome the fear of what might happen should she one day

not be able to get up and work anymore.

But sometimes she loses her courage.

I don’t want to go on anymore.

And I want to tell everyone out there: us Germans, we don't have

it good either.

Please, open your eyes!

The reason I'm speaking so openly is because I can't do it anymore.

And I'm not the only one.

Millions of pensioners feel the same way.

Inga finds new strength in nature.

Because deep inside, she is a fighter - with a clear message.

Go out and fight.

Raise your voice to say: we can't go on like this.

Encourage everyone to help their parents.

Don't let them down and don't leave them alone.

Stand up for this injustice.

Ulli also hopes for change.

He's learned to make do with little.

But instead, he would prefer politicians to distribute Germany’s

wealth more fairly.

What I hope for from politics is justice, even-handed justice.

I want to hear: people, you've worked hard, you've created

the foundations for us.

Now you can rest.

I don't see that.

On the contrary, the gap between rich and poor is actually getting

wider and wider.