ONLY one in five Scots aged 66 or older believe their UK state pension is enough to cover basic living costs, a new poll has found.
Elsewhere, the newly published research found that nearly one in three (29%) of Scots over the age of 66 report having skipped meals in the last year – and nearly one in five (19%) Scots over 66 live on an income of less than £15,000 a year.
The figures come from the inaugural Older People’s Economic Wellbeing Index, which was conducted by the Diffley Partnership and commissioned by the charity Independent Age. It is the first in a series that will document trends among older people over time.
Older Scots on low incomes, with caring responsibilities and dealing with a health condition were more likely to cut back on heating and food, according to the report.
Around 156,000 – or one in seven – pensioners currently live in poverty in Scotland – an increase of 25% over the last decade, according to Independent Age.
The survey found that four in five (81%) support calls for the Scottish Government to create an Older People’s Commissioner (OPC).
Scotland has a Children and Young People's Commissioner, who is tasked with helping young people to be respected and understand their rights.
However, in Wales and Northern Ireland there is also an OPC, and Independent Age has called for Scotland to follow suit.
“Older people are crying out for more representation and for an opportunity to have governments and society listen to them,” the charity’s Scotland policy manager Debbie Horne wrote in The National.
The survey found that a large majority of older Scots feel they are not well represented in politics. A total of 63% do not feel represented by the Scottish Government, which rises to 77% for the UK Government.
Elsewhere, 83% of pensioners on low incomes surveyed said have cut back on heating or utilities.
Nearly a third (32%) of those with a health condition had skipped meals due to costs, compared to 21% of those without a health condition, the poll found.
And 23% of women report frequently or always cut back on heating or utilities, compared to one in six (17%) men.
The UK Government did not respond to a request for comment.
“As the population ages, it’s vital to develop policies which ensure financial security and confidence to support continued independence and dignity in later years.”
Horne said: “In a fair and just society, no-one should be living their later years cutting back on food or not using the heating.
“They shouldn’t be living in a home that doesn’t meet their needs.
“Our new index paints a stark picture of the reality of living on a low income in Scotland in 2025.
“We’re calling on the Scottish Government to develop a Pensioner Poverty strategy to address the misery felt by a rising number of older Scots on a low income.
“This should set out actions to boost incomes and social security take up and improve housing affordability and energy efficiency.”
A total of 1705 people in Scotland aged 66 or older were questioned online between December 12 and 16 for the survey.
