Guest Blog: Independent Age campaigning for older people in poverty

2026 will see the Scottish Parliamentary Election take place in May. As we look ahead to this and beyond at Independent Age - the national charity for older people living on low incomes - we know there has never been a more important time to speak up for the 160,000 pensioners in poverty in Scotland. This is the highest number of older people in poverty in over 20 years and, without action, could rise further to 180,000 by 2031 as our population ages.

In a wealthy and compassionate society, everyone should be able to live a decent and dignified life, free from poverty. However, a growing number of older people are unable to make ends meet, as our systems deliver financial struggle instead of security.

Through our helpline and research, we hear from older people having to cut back on life’s essentials such as food, energy and social interactions.

One of our helpline callers told us: “Council tax, food, bills and electric – I’ve got nothing at the end of the day… I have no social life; I can’t go out.”

This should not be happening in 2026. This is the year that we can start to make a difference. It’s time to call on all politicians and political parties to implement policies that address the growing issue of pensioner poverty.

Our manifesto, Security not struggle: a manifesto to reduce pensioner poverty sets out five clear steps that all political parties should include in their 2026 manifestos - to bring forward a pensioner poverty strategy, support affordable and secure housing, a decent and dignified social security system, lower energy bills, and an Older People’s Commissioner.

We know there is widespread support for these policies. Independent Age polling last year showed 9 in 10 people of all ages recognise that poverty is a growing problem for older people, and an overwhelming majority want political parties to do more to address it.

We are reaching out to politicians, stakeholders, and supporters about our policy calls to discuss with them how together we can help deliver better support for older people living in poverty. Within our growing network of campaigners in Scotland, we are raising awareness of the experiences of older people on low incomes and supporting people to advocate for urgent change.

In the run-up to the Holyrood Election, we have some powerful activities planned to raise awareness of the financial stresses older people face and the change that is urgently needed. If you would like to help our campaign to end pensioner poverty and make sure the voices of older people are heard by politicians, then join our campaigns network here to learn more about our work in Scotland and make a difference.
Together we can end poverty, for people of all ages. Your support can make this happen.

You can contact the Campaigns team if you want to learn more about our campaigns work at campaigns@independentage.org.