The question of the future of pensions in Germany continues to be a central concern for the nation. A recent survey, conducted on behalf of the Munich-based association Lichtblick Seniorenhilfe e.V., reveals that the fear of old age plagues the majority of people in Germany.
Survey on Old-Age Poverty: 88 Percent See a Major Problem
Over 2,000 eligible voters were surveyed between April 10 and 13, 2026. The results indicate that 88 percent of respondents consider old-age poverty a significant problem in Germany. An even greater number, 92 percent, anticipate that old-age poverty will become more prevalent in the next ten years than it is currently. Furthermore, 70 percent of those surveyed are already concerned about their financial security in old age.
This concern is particularly pronounced among those in the middle of their working lives: over 70 percent of respondents under 70 years old stated they were “very” or “rather concerned” about their financial situation in old age. The highest level of concern was found among 40 to 49-year-olds, with 42 percent reporting they were “very concerned.”
Respondents also specified the minimum amount of money they believe is necessary in old age: 73 percent believe that at least 1,500 euros net per month is required to cover living expenses. This amount is above last year’s poverty threshold, which stood at 1,446 euros net for single individuals.
Retirement Age: A Clear Opinion
The question of raising the retirement age also revealed a clear consensus: 73 percent of respondents reject it. Two-thirds (65 percent) also believe that the primary responsibility for combating old-age poverty lies with the state. Only 25 percent think the responsibility rests with the individual.
“Old-age poverty is no longer an isolated case,” says Lydia Staltner, founder of Lichtblick Seniorenhilfe e.V. “It is a real fear for many people. Politicians must not respond with mere reassurances.”
“Particularly Alarming”: Many Respondents Would Refuse Help
One issue described by the association as “particularly alarming” is that 12 percent of respondents stated that they would not accept help from friends, family, or aid organizations if they experienced old-age poverty themselves. According to the survey, this translates to millions of people who would rather go without than ask for help, primarily due to shame. “Anyone who works for 40 years should not have to be a supplicant in old age,” says Staltner. “If people would rather go without than accept help out of shame, then something is fundamentally wrong in this country.”
Women More Concerned
The survey also highlighted that women perceive the problem of old-age poverty more seriously than men. 51 percent of women categorized it as a “very big” problem, compared to 43 percent of men. Personal concern about old-age poverty was also more pronounced among women than men (37 percent vs. 32 percent were “very concerned”).
The non-profit association Lichtblick Seniorenhilfe e.V. was founded by Lydia Staltner in Munich in 2003. According to its own statements, the association has financially supported over 150,000 needy pensioners across Germany to date. Seniors over 60 who have accumulated at least 20 years of German pension points and receive basic old-age security or housing benefits, or whose pension is just above the assessment limit for social benefits, are eligible for support.
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