Single women in the pension: fight poverty and loneliness

Single women in the pension: fight poverty and loneliness

Ms. E. belongs to a growing group of women who are faced with financial difficulties in old age. Pensioners who live alone are particularly affected, as a current analysis by Caritas shows. According to this study, 28 percent of these women are at risk of poverty, and they receive an average of 920 euros gross less a month than men. "This is due to the fact that women are disadvantaged over their entire résumé. For example, women take on the majority of the care work," explains Anna Parr, Secretary General of Caritas Austria.

A remarkable area in which the challenges become particularly clear are the single parents. Many of them have difficulties to cover enough money because they already have to fight for survival today. This is also shown in the social counseling centers in Eisenstadt, Neusiedl, Oberwart and Güssing, where two thirds of the first women seeking help are, including many single parents.

The struggle for survival

Ms. E. worked abroad for many years, but only part -time because she also had to look after children. After moving back to Austria to maintain her sick mother, it has become difficult for her to find your professional life back. "After her death I had to be looked after psychologically. I was no longer able to return to my professional life," she says openly.

Since she has to deal with her income extremely economically, she buys her food in the social market and clothing from Humana. With the cultural pass, she has the opportunity to visit museums and the cinema for free. It is also dependent on support when dealing with public transport. For only 18 euros a month, she can use public transport with the mobile pass and attend inexpensive courses at the adult education center. For example, she took a French course that would have cost 60 euros - a sum that would be unaffordable for her.

loneliness and support

But how does Ms. E. deal with loneliness that often goes hand in hand with poverty? Many people in similar financial circumstances withdraw, which can enormously reinforce psychological stress. However, Ms. E. finds consolation in her activities and participating in cultural offers. "With all of these activities, I handle the great danger of loneliness," she says.

Nevertheless, she also feels the pressure to find your way around in a jungle of support offers. "There are many help, but finding them and taking care of it is often very challenging," she emphasizes. It finds it particularly difficult to fill out necessary forms because she has no computer and has little experience in dealing with technology. In addition, the request of known for help is often connected with shame.

unforeseen costs, such as broken electrical appliances or rising energy prices, as well as the pressure to keep house with the little available money, can quickly become an emotional load. "I just want to leave all worries and requirements behind.