Even after retirement, many people still have to go to work because their pension is not enough to live on. This is also what happens to a protagonist of an RTL Zwei show.
Bremen – Some people don’t want to put their feet up in retirement and continue to work when they reach retirement age – not least because of the threat of old-age poverty. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the number of people aged between 63 and 67 who are subject to social insurance contributions and those in marginal employment rose to 1.67 million last year. A protagonist of the RTL Zwei program “Poor Germany – Stamp or toil” is also one of them.
Pension is not enough to live on: pensioners have to continue working in retirement
Heidi has worked in various jobs throughout her life. The 65-year-old still can't rest on her pension. The around 600 euros are hardly enough to live on, she describes in the RTL Zwei program. However, support from the state such as basic security is out of the question for the 65-year-old. On the other hand, a citizen's benefit recipient sees no advantage in working.
That's why Heidi continues to work even when she's retired - sometimes six days a week. She carries out various cleaning jobs, including cleaning in doctor's practices and offices. With the additional income, Heidi tries to be a “real grandma” so that she can eat ice cream with her grandchildren or go to the cinema.
“I imagined it differently”: Pensioner continues to work six days a week
“I imagined it differently too. I thought I could be there for my grandchildren, who would also like to have bought something from their grandma or received it as a gift. Of course, that only works with the jobs,” explains the 65-year-old on the show. “Without them I wouldn’t be able to pay for it. Then I wouldn't be able to pay for a phone. Actually just the bare rent and that’s it.”
When money is tight, the pensioner saves on food. “Of course you have to do without certain things. That is clear. “It sometimes happens that I only eat bread and butter all week,” she admits. New clothes for 50 to 60 euros are not included. She'd rather save up for the next gift from one of her grandchildren.
Pension is not enough to live on: Why women are often affected by poverty in old age
It is therefore difficult for Heidi to have a fulfilling retirement life. The pensioner only wants to apply for help from the state when she can no longer work for health reasons. The RTL program was broadcast in 2022. It is unclear whether Heidi has now applied for an increase. The basic pension and basic security are intended to provide financial support for pensioners in old age.
Women in particular are affected by poverty in old age. According to the Federal Employment Agency, this could affect one in three women who work full-time. On the one hand, this is due to the difference in salaries between women and men, and on the other hand, it has to do with starting a family. “This gap really opens up in the mid-30s, when most people start a family and women adapt their careers to care work,” explains economist Alexandra Niessen-Ruenzi to
ZDF
. Meanwhile, an economist is calling for the withdrawal of the tax-free pension at 63.