Old-age poverty in Germany | DW Documentary

[@foboz971]

"There is no more pleasure in life if you can't take part in it" Strong words right there

[@vishnuvijayan7891]

true... :/

[@djm2189]

She could move to another cheap EU country. Maybe get a roommate. Her life is her own fault. Sorry.

[@KimSmith-b9v]

@@djm2189 Yeah, politicians have nothing to do with it. Stealing our money to give to others - all our lives. That is our fault indeed. 👍

[@greenknitter]

@@djm2189 Must get dizzy up there on that high horse. You better hope no-one is as heartless and uncaring for you if you fall into such poverty or need help.

[@djm2189]

@@greenknitter way ahead of you babe. Planning for the worst so I'll never fall into that situation. I'm 29, earn $120k and drive a cheap used 10k car meanwhile people making half my income drive luxury cars.... Needs vs wants. Also looking to just get a small place and pay it off so I'll never be burdened with a home payment. I'm making sacrifices daily to not fall into that trap. And guess what, if you can't afford to live alone, get a roommate. Are they too up on their horses to live with someone?

[@einseitig3391]

I am 59 and the first of Generation X. I am also dreading retirement and old age. The UK is not a good place to be old. It is very unfriendly and life shortening; more so when you are not rich.

[@moetocafe]

many people from your country come and live here in Bulgaria. If it is an option for you - you can consider it as well. Life here is not luxurious, but is calm and peaceful, a lot of the Western issues don't exist here. There are many Britts expats, who run their KZbin channels and give advises for people in your situation. Just be careful not to become victim of some sort of scam. Think and plan ahead and be careful, double check everything. I wish you well, whatever you decide to do.

[@walterbraun3731]

I have NEVER been in a country were people were as friendly as in England - perhaps its's you!?

[@TheOrijinalPajeet]

@@moetocafe But of course, invite the westerners to Bulgaria, so they can inflate property prices and hog the already garbage public medical system.

[@gdup1728]

@@walterbraun3731 people in the UK are very friendly. That isnt the problem. It’s lack of connection. British society is very fractured and atomised. There is often a lack of community feel.

[@DragutinJ]

Tell us how you lived in UK. Education, work, jobs, earnings?. UK is what I heard great country. Wealthy economy, James Bond, Queen, King....I guess no more robing the rest of the world therefore no more slaves and wealth collected for cheap?

[@AthensArtWalk]

Gisela is such a nice person and I hope she does not encounter more difficulties. At least there is public health insurance in Germany and besides poverty, all these seniors also suffer from loneliness. If there are friends or a social circle people always get some material help. Loneliness and poverty are the worst combination.

[@LucyDiamond-vd1dg]

It's the same here in the UK. I get £680 State pension.... per month. There's a real misapprehension here among the young that Pensioners are well off and get more money than we are entitled to, but I paid into the system for 50 years for this small amount of money . No longer can I buy good quality food, nor afford to ut the heating on, or have any kind of holiday.. or buy new clothes.

[@churchofpos2279]

The truth is that holidays are a luxury, not a necessity. Most people can find low cost alternatives locally. It's all about your mindset. I go camping, hiking, and biking. I take day trips to near by festivals/events. I don't feel deprived.

[@andyroo9381]

What do these people do to pay for their heating in the winter? Is there government assistance?

[@minoozolala]

Yes, there's heating assistance.

[@mirabella2154]

No.

[@junglesuperstar9270]

Don’t hear their house is a trend

[@chronic2023]

This was a problem in Sweden several years ago but it was resolved. The government finally cut taxes on pension income and stopped paying out a "guarantee pension" to those living abroad. My pension increased by €400 a month net over 4 years of cuts in taxes and pension increases, which made a huge difference. The German government needs to take action.

[@okinwonderland9734]

Interesting that your government recently cut the guarantee pension for Swedish pensioners living abroad. Because I saw many Swedish pensioners living in Thailand and I wonder why Swedish government let a lot of money go out of the country😅?

[@bobdebouwer7835]

@@okinwonderland9734 There are probably differences in pensions that one has built up by working and a government handout that is granted to everyone. Either way there will be enough Swedes that are able to survive in Thailand even with a bit less money.

[@okinwonderland9734]

@@bobdebouwer7835 Thank you. I have clearified it with someone here. He said if you contribute into the pension scheme you'll get a pension that’s based on how much was paid in and you can go to live anywhere in the world it is your money. But if you never contributed or too little then you can request for an old age pension basically it is a state benefit. In Italy it is about €5xx per month and you must reside in Italy. You can't go to live in paradise island with state pension. Certainly Thailand is cheaper than Sweden and good climate. It is not a bad choice to retire there 😅. It is in my plan too.

[@ravanpee1325]

​@@okinwonderland9734If they paid in taxes or social security fees before for it before, why should they have no right to get the payments no matter where they live

[@okinwonderland9734]

@@ravanpee1325 Thank you for your comment and sorry. I misunderstood I thought part of their pension is from the state but actually for the ppls who contributed the money are their. It is because I heard some pensioners in Italy can not live abroad because they are on Old age pension from the state. They didn't contribute or contributed too little. It is state benefit. It is different things. Now I understand.

[@soniat1348]

Same in UK. It’s absolutely heartbreaking and disaster 😢

[@alexkat8297]

Not really. There are indeed poor pensioners, but pensioners are also the richest social group. 1/4 are millionaires if the value of their house is taken into account, and another quarter are not far from that. Not to mention all the perks they enjoy, the deeply unfair and costly triple lock etc and of course the fact they have been voting for the Tory party and around 60-70% of them voted for Brexit, not caring a jot about the impact on the future generations and their own welfare. So no, very different situation.

[@Minimmalmythicist]

@@alexkat8297 pensioners come in extremes in the UK, as they do in Germany, there are indeed very wealthy pensioners, i.e people who have lots of assets, good company/private pensions, etc. There are also lots of very poor pensioners in the UK, people living on the State pension and we´ve actually got one of the lowest state pensions in Europe.

[@alexkat8297]

@@Minimmalmythicist Lowest contributions too! It's the richest age group in the UK. Of course there are poor pensioners, but even more poor children...

[@hermes667]

@@alexkat8297 yeah, if I had two million € and you have nothing, we are well off on average. But you are right: I ave seen a lot of poor young people as well. They are working full time and are still poor. One reason is way too expensive housing and energy costs.

[@pistopit7142]

@@alexkat8297 assuming you are UK citizen, tripple lock is also for you. Think about it, one day you will also be pensioner applying fo state pension. Yes, you have to apply for it, otherwise you will not get it.

[@Tunderb]

In Eastern Europe this is "normal" for decades.

[@micaeloliveira2727]

Sons help their parents 😊🎉

[@Tunderb]

@@micaeloliveira2727 exactly. People in western Europe are slowly experiencing the quality of life Eastern Europeans are having for a long time. They literally looked down on Eastern European people because of their poverty. This is karma.

[@TBoy1247]

@@Tunderb not karma, bad governance. All could have been avoided.

[@tatianamardari1130]

@@Tunderb exactly!

[@velvetindigonight]

Does not make it ‘right’ alas ……. The ‘top of the food chain’ ie those that ‘own and run the planet’ and this planet is abundant have manipulated legislation, finance and food to create this situation …………… Shameful, we need change………,,,

[@henriqueaguiar5318]

As a legal immigrant, I find it strange that European countries keep prioritising refugees over their own people, especially the elderly.

[@limolnar]

It's called capitalism. Those who produce are worthy of life; those who don't even deserve recognition.

[@privateprivate2421]

​​​@@limolnarI agree. Theres a lot of ageism involved. I'm 64 and work full time and my doctors ignore me. I think they're hoping I'll just go away and die so that's one less old person gotten rid of.

[@ducapelli]

They prioritize migrants (economic migrants) because they accept to work for lower incomes. And leftist accept it. This makes people angry and this explains why some people are now voting for extremists parties and abandon the classic ones.

[@Dampflanze]

This is one reason right wing attracts people. What to do if politics don´t care?! The current government instead of taking care of the agendas the right wing uses to populize they just blame them for beeing whatever helps to avoid taking responsibility takling the issues

[@SueCrichlow]

Most people would need a workplace pension to supplement the government pension. Basic government pension usually only covers basic expenses.

[@hazelem1266]

We are from Australia visiting Croatia and other parts of Europe. I am shocked at the prices of food in Croatia. Two years ago, in the local currency, the prices increased by 30% in two months. Now, the number is the same but the currency is in euros not kuna. In other words the prices are doubled. We never saw people begging in Croatia. Now people are coming up to us every day. And the number of old Croatians collecting empty bottles, from bins, is staggering.

[@DragutinJ]

Who give a dime for Croats? They fought hard to get rid of Yugoslavia and Serbs to enjoy freedom , EU and become wealthy country. That what happened in Croatia happened in all EU after they adopted Euro. It was smart way to rob countries happy to join EU.

[@AngelaVlahos]

I wish I could help

[@peterrhodes5663]

In the past, Italians would holiday there because things were half the price. Has that stopped? We were there 9 years ago, from NZ.

[@hazelem1266]

@@peterrhodes5663 we were there in April 2022 and things were very cheap. We went travelling and returned in the June. Prices had increased a bit but still cheap in restaurants. We went there now in 2024 May to August. Everything is in euros. The costs of food and groceries are astronomical. Ingredients for a single meal, dinner for 4 people, are nearly 50 euros.

[@peterrhodes5663]

@@hazelem1266 Thanks. The world is getting very expensive. Rented a campervan in OZ in 2019. Repeated last year, again for 3 weeks. Cost had tripled. Shopped around each time. Quality was rubbish, and after returning the first one after an hour because it wasn't road worthy, was given another defective one. Got $600 refunded after complaining. It also cost them 4 tyres. All because of bad maintenance and jokers on their 'help line' being clueless. They didn't make much profit on that deal. At least petrol was cheaper than NZ.

[@pedronetobr]

It seemed that the loneliest lady - Inga - was the most hopeless one. It looks like its not only a financial issue.

[@Sasa-pm7jc]

Yes, I agree. She has some other personal issues going on.

[@fahernandezp1]

Absolutely true. The children in Germany don't want to have anything to do with their parents. It is the exception here to look after the old folks.

[@AlexisHiemis]

Poverty makes you lonely.

[@PreferredMethods]

@@AlexisHiemis Certainly true, especially if you were poor when you were young, and remained that way.

[@kaaka9426]

@@fahernandezp1Yea I know one 82 yr old Granny who has 4 kids! one living in Berlin, one Australia and 2 in the USA. Everyone successful working as Doctors and lawyers but Nobody even calls her to ask how she is… Its been ages…During kids childhood they have had huge arguments which led to this situation. When I look at her loneliness, it breaks my heart😢

[@jrleach2233]

When Inga said "you forget how to eat when you no longer have the money." I believe that. US Veteran, became homeless in 2023, started slowly losing all my money and savings trying to avoid it. First thing I noticed was that food no longer became seen as meals or full courses. Everything is a snack or something quick to put together and go. Its so expensive being poor. Take what you can get, eat it quick, and keep an eye for the next food.

[@alb12345672]

Sad how a US veteran can be homeless, but illegals get a decent hotel room just for existing.

[@breal7277]

What angers me in the U. S. is seeing how the military complex bamboozles young people into joining, then when they're through with you, they simply discard you like trash.

[@benfreiler4054]

@@breal7277they don’t necessarily though? Especially if you make a long career in the military. My father spent 30 years, they basically pay for everything for him, paid for my $40,000-a-year university, his healthcare, his pension… the VA is pretty bad though.

[@jeanelizabethterry7583]

It's how you think of things ​@@breal7277

[@EvelinHolmes]

@@benfreiler4054 your a lucky one. My husband was into military and nobody gave our daughter a free ride.

[@TheModernInvestor]

If you dont save money, start today, If you dont invest, learn how to today. If you dont have an emergency fund, start making one day. Poor planning and thinking the government will come to your rescue in your time of need will be your financial downfall.

[@annelbeab8124]

Please bear in mind: there is a statutory pension scheme in Germany for employees. From EUR 100 gross income you pay taxes as well as roughly 20 % social security. The employee has to contribute another 20 %. Thus people should be able to trust the system. But there is a growing divide. Also bear in mind the constitution in Germany is based on the principle of a "social state " meaning a state where legal provisions need to made to tax fairly, give opportunities for education and to provide some security in case of illness, unemployment and old age - for those groups that may not save enough and yet need security.

[@wendybrierley5412]

Very, very sensible. Just as I thought.

[@IndianCinemaGalatta]

You think everyone has money to save when expenses are so high & inflation is rising constantly??? Get real. Easy to talk for you because you are not living pay check to pay check. Most people would be lucky if they could even save the bare minimum. Plus with rising scams also, how can people save when their money is stolen??? Use your brains if you have any.

[@donnawilson559]

@@annelbeab8124 Similar structure in my country but we pay taxes on the money we earned that we give to the government, then pay taxes again on the pensions we recieve. Double taxation. Pensions should not be taxed.

[@annelbeab8124]

@donnawilson559 here it depends: part of your contribution to old age pension funds, whether statutory or private, is exempted from taxes, you get taxed later on the full income, not just the interest rate/profit (if there was any. The statutory system is not a saving system anyway, it's intergenerational)

[@allykhan8594]

Giezela is a noble woman, looking after her parents.

[@Eternall23452]

I will do same. I think she is rich in her karma. I decided.

[@versloe1]

Yet money for Muslims , mosque building and Muslim women who never worked to live on social welfare for decades .... let that sink in

[@mylifeasasociopath]

Why is this documentary so short when this is a real issue.

[@johan_johansson_]

🤔🤷🏻‍♂

[@agy234]

It doesn’t affect the “new Germans” so it doesn’t matter to the lugenpresse

[@hillockfarm8404]

Short attentionspan in the young people, 45+ minutes docu won't be watched. This ends up as a news item with a lot more potential views.

[@Kaede-Sasaki]

​@hillockfarm8404 Maybe dw has the 15 second ticktock version 😂

[@sumitschitoll]

I always feel sorry for old people in Germany who work so hard all their life paid taxes, and now they look for empty bottles in garage bins, I had loving grandparents and seeing their age people on Berlin streets brakes my heart, Instead of sending money to other war countries like Ukraine and spending in illegal immigrants who come from boats, better give some money to this citizen who deserves

[@Oldeagle66]

This is happening everywhere. Politicians don't care about seniors because they aren't the high spending consumers their corporate owners want.

[@michellesartori6695]

They no longer have an income that can be taxed but are a net loss financially for the government. They are often unwell and cost said government much more money to care for their medical needs than a young person who has the ability to make money for their government and isnt going deaf and blind!. The only thing governments are concerned about when it comes to the elderly is how to get them to die faster! Sorry but that's just the way it is.

[@bierfuerall]

Politicians get paid to bring people into poverty, American companies pay, and offer them positions after their term in politics, why do you think Scholz forgave 100 Billion in taxes and to whom, and he gave America a 100 Billion defence contract for F35s, that cant carry german Taurus rockets

[@davechristian7543]

Your spot on .. its everywhere in the west6

[@nychris2258]

It's not politicians, it's capitalism.

[@BonaKim-hd8ec]

It’s happening in developed countries in the Far East such as South Korea and Japan. I met senior citizens in Seoul in Spring 2023 who still had to work full time has hotel housekeeping and cab driving. Their adult children do not look after them as was expected just a couple decades ago.

[@srcarranza]

It's encouraging someone is putting a spotlight on this issue. Gisela's plight in particular is all-encompassing. She alone took care of her old man. We have to do better. Taking care of our elders must be a team effort not a solo endeavor. Our humanity is on the line. Either "we hang together or we will hang alone", applies. I can't even imagine the grief Gen Zers will suffer when they get to old age, if this indifference doesn't change.

[@adeyinkaoladapo5863]

I can't but agree with you, besides are you an African?

[@cocosilkworm]

Does it end up like this because the next generation expects not to have to care for their elders, or is it because she did not have any children of her own who would then take care of her like she did her own father?

[@ravanpee1325]

​@@cocosilkwormthat was her own choice..she know this before

[@donnawilson559]

@@ravanpee1325 Not necessarily. Sometimes people want children but are unable to have them physically. And some people do not find a life partner so cannot form a parenting unit.

[@MidnightSunshine27]

Been from a third world country.... they look rich to me. Have a roof, go to a cafe, have reading glasses nice clothing, tvs, etc. I hope they realize they still have some food to eat everyday, they're still blessed. Hope their situations gets better. ❤

[@Minimmalmythicist]

yeah, sure, it´s better than a third world country, but it´s still not good and these people do have difficulties getting access to food.

[@tuffandco3745]

Being a disabled person, unable to work in Germany, many of the interviewed people seem relatively wealthy to me.

[@chirantansur3345]

Still much better off than many in this world.

[@Minimmalmythicist]

@@malkontentniepoprawny6885 well, they´re not "slackers", you couldn´t imagine the journey people have completed in order to live in the West. Also, it´s simply not true, if you mean foreign aid, the foreign aid budget is tiny compared to the blowing people up budget. You also can´t just walk into a country and claim benefits immediately.

[@MidnightSunshine27]

@Minimmalmythicist Difficulties is one thing. Poverty is another. I'm middle class, and I can't afford good healthy organic food always. That's a difficulty I have. But they and me have food to eat, not want we always want, but we eat. That's a blessing. I hope they find themselves in a better situation 💕

[@alexgoslar4057]

As a German retiree, I feel for my fellow pensioners. The pension is not enough to cover the costs of living in Germany.

[@magesalmanac6424]

Did I misunderstand the video? This pension is optional and private, not something that they must pay taxes into?

[@BranislavB-hx9zy]

Croats who move from Germany home to Croatia as pensioners now have on average less pension than Croatian pensioners who receive their pension from Croatia on average, that still some Croats move from their home country is an enigma to me, but many have started to move home before the retirement age from different countries such as Ireland..

[@jeanelizabethterry7583]

I am so sorry for what you are going through. May God comfort you and sustain you

[@fotter9567]

@@magesalmanac6424 No, pension contributions are mandatory. Each working generation pays for the current pensioners. And therein lies the problem. Germany has had a very low fertility rate for decades and has now an urn shaped demographic distribution. Demographers and economists already warned about this in the 90ies, and made very clear that this system is not sustainable. Adding millions of East German pensioners to the system that didn’t contribute at all, didn’t help either. But it was impossible for a politician to touch the pension system, because the exact same people who now whinge and whine would have given everyone the boot had they done so. Now that the proverbial has hit the fan, they play the victims. Sorry not my problem. You messed up, you live with the consequences.

[@operettas_are_lovely]

It’s optional if you are self employed.

[@RJFP67]

I have $200.00 to $400.00 a month after bills depending on the time of year. Propane dents the budget in winter. After three more years my debts will be paid off. I’ll be in much better shape then. If I didn’t plan on having low housing costs in 2008 ,I’d be in big trouble now with skyrocketing rents and mortgages.

[@roystrickland3363]

"Poverty" in Germany relative to USA looks much better: attractive apartments, bright places to socialize, healthy choices at food markets, safe places to exercise in the open air. I wish these seniors well.

[@mirabella2154]

Not really.

[@TBoy1247]

I think you missed the point.

[@roystrickland3363]

@@peterseth3296 So Right!

[@TBoy1247]

@@peterseth3296 I understand "1 is too many" but is 0.16% of US population homeless unexpected? How many of those make the conscience decision to take drugs instead of care of themselves. $1.2T in wealth transfers a year in the US has to be enough.

[@terintiaflavius3349]

​@@Aol2456The Christians are not the Taliban lmao

[@fulloffool5925]

600€ left after her fix living costs. That’s decent amount of money to live. Most working ppl don’t have even 400€ left after paying their fix living costs

[@denisescutt1865]

I don’t have that only 400 left and manage

[@keepitreal1547]

This is exactly my thoughts. My home is paid for & I live ok on around €500 per month for all I need Inc all bills, council tax, dog supplies, food & car outgoings. It's doable. So that lady with the cats has €600 left after rent, more than I have & I've never had to go to food banks etc.

[@fulloffool5925]

@@keepitreal1547 Yeah. Most ppl will be happy to have 600€ as pocket money. I think she gives alot to her grandchildren if she has any

[@katella]

My pension is around 600 and I am well and enjoying my retirement. Germans like to complain and to harp on negative things. These people are making themselves unhappy. Money is not the wellspring of happiness. They don't even see the positive things in their lives only compare themselves to others and complain about how mistreated they are.

[@babuvangu7220]

​@@fulloffool5925 The last part of your nick was created for you😂

[@breal7277]

This is happening in the US as well. We live in a plutocracy and it's the same everywhere because corporate greed is king. They have forgotten the lessons of the French Revolution- but one day...

[@DragutinJ]

Dream baby dream

[@renatewest6366]

Except]t The French Revolution had nothing to do with poor hungry peasants.That's a false narrative. History is,written by the victors, who were corrupt.

[@JodyBarnettgplus]

Same in America for Many Millions & our most corrupt politicans dont adress or admit to this poverty.

[@Zeno362]

In America..people who admit and wish to tackle these things are called Socialists and Communists..

[@m0o0n0i0r]

modern politicians are career politicians, for them its a job and the electorate is just in the way.

[@nychris2258]

What about the corrupt corporate giants who took away defined benefit pensions in favor of 401ks? You like to blame the government but it's really business practices over the past 40 years that have created this situation. Shareholders just gave Elon Musk 56 billion dollars. Are you serious?

[@Macky1101]

Too much money spent on war and weapons and policing the planet.

[@malkontentniepoprawny6885]

US has a completely different pension system.

[@name_it]

I am a foreigner in Germany, and I have witnessed several cases of old people, some of them with severe conditions of disabilities. And to my surprise, the family members let them alone. Come for a visit once or twice a month. I dont understand it, and it makes me sad. If one doesn't care about his parents, then how to believe that that is a family at all? I have been taught otherwise. My culture and mindset are different.

[@KurtQuad]

It feels like abandonment and neglect when people just stop helping out the parents in this kind of situation. I will not hesitate to have my mother-in-law live with us and I wish more people would do the same thing.

[@amistiel]

honestly... depends on the parents. also if the choice for "sandwich" generation is between raising their own kids or supporting parents - of course you should rather invest into your kids, that's your job as a parent. caring for elderly is therefore also a luxury not everyone can afford (both time-wise and money-wise)

[@name_it]

@amistiel "invest in kids"... please, don't be absurd. That should not be defined as business. as it sounds from what you have written. 30 years back, it was not a discussion at all if one should look after a parent.

[@amistiel]

@@name_it you read too much into "invest" portion of what I wrote - as I mentioned, sometimes there's a decision to be made - to be able to afford supporting kids or parents and in that scenario it's normal/natural to choose to support own kids. if you don't like the word "invest" so much :D and true, 30 years ago we lived in a very different world, with very different economy. if we would be working where we do now back then, instead of attending kindergarten, we too would not have been discussing this difficult topic :)

[@name_it]

@amistiel no offence :) I apologise if I sounded rude... yes, you have right. I personally don't have to make that choice.

[@jahuuuu]

If you have a low pension or no pension at all: Germany´s welfare system guaranties 1. apartment 2. utilities 3. health insurance 4. 563 € if you are single. This is for everybody including Ukrainians. Is this much? No. You are definitely poor. Is it enough to live on? Definetely. The taxpayer should provide necessities for living, not more. If you have a low pension, you have to ask yourself: What have I done to secure for my old age when you were younger?

[@trinleywangmo]

It is set to 60% of the poverty level. Poverty means the bare minimum a person needs to live in dignity and not starve. I dare anyone in this thread to cut their pay by 40% and tell me they aren't starving...

[@mariamogaburu2765]

Excellent documentary, DW. The same happens here in my country, Argentina.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@sapphireemerald6882]

And Argentinian President is pro-Israel. I wonder why same is happening in Argentina

[@sapphireemerald6882]

I am a huge fan of Messi fan, though

[@deborahrohl848]

Same in Australia 😢

[@yellowbird5411]

"I had to buy cleaning products this week." Many cleaning jobs can be done with nothing more than a rag, some water and hand soap. Did you know that? Hand soap makes excellent soap for dishes (glycerin soap is best but any will do). Hand soap will clean floors, cabinets, trash cans, and just about anything else. A bit of diluted vinegar is great for windows. Baking soda is wonderful for many things, including laundry and toothpaste. Always get the dollar store cleaning products and dilute them.

[@dog_guy-c8x]

Cleaning products what the hell do you think hand soap is. DUH.

[@lazybuilder]

The elderly are such a special part of our community, we have so much to learn from them, we really need to include them and care for them better.

[@user-xs8vr5yr4z]

I am from Baku, Azerbaijan, I would never rely on the government to take care of my mother. It is a job of the children and then government. Just like when we are children, the parenting is the job of parents then the government. My mother has a good pension, as she receives my father's pension, because my father died and he was a veteran of First Karabakh War and had a rank. Please children visit your old parents, bring them some food, make them nice dinner, invite them to a nice restaurant/cafe, spend some time with them etc. When you were a child, your parents would find time and money for you, they would do everything for you, it is your turn to pay them back now. Do not let them be lonely and struggling to find some food.

[@trinleywangmo]

@@vidaus-ir-lauko-durys Really? You know EVERYTHING abut "people's lifestyles". Such a narcissistic and privileged world view. Must be good to be you!

[@mayormc]

Another stupendous piece of reporting from DW.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching!

[@hankthetank8]

Great documentary same problems here in ireland it's scandalous

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@papi8659]

So not true - the vast majority of irish pensioners are really well looked after by the state and their family.

[@CuteCatsofIstanbul]

I'm half Dutch, half Turkish. I see loneliness among the elderly in the Netherlands, but not so much in Turkiye. The main difference I think is this openness to having contacts. For example, my neighbour's husband died, both their kids live outside of Istanbul so the whole neighbourhood has empathy for her; everyone's inviting her to coffee, for walks, for hobby groups. New friendships have formed - it is great for everyone. We also always chat with each other on the street, if we have no time, we just say hello and do a friendly wave. On the other hand, the elderly in my Dutch family just sits at home and complain about being lonely. They don't show any effort. Go for a walk, go to a park, go to a hobby group, call your old friends, stop and chat with your neighbours and invite them over for a coffee. There can be lonely people in every house on one street, everyone will complain but none of them do something about their loneliness. It takes effort. The whole financial side of things is sad, but loneliness makes it all the worse so coming together is sooo important.

[@ellaa.k.t6998]

Turkish older people are trusting. They trust their neighbours, relatives, hence they are open for interaction... Dutch or German older people, on the other hand, are always suspicious, they afraid of their own shadow!! You offer to buy them a coffee or simply ask about weather in a queue, and they give you the look of "what do you want from me?" 😂 Then they complain of loneliness... 😂 My parents are Turkish and my parents-in-law are Dutch-German so I know it first hand... Westerners simply don't like human interaction as much as they say they do, but they don't want to be alone either...difficult people to understand

[@noramaddy4409]

If these pensioners have so little money, they cannot afford to invite a neighbour for coffee unless they bring their own coffee and a biscuit!

[@CuteCatsofIstanbul]

@@ellaa.k.t6998 I don't know whether the word is suspicious, though. My Dutch family values their space, privacy and time a lot, I do too so I totally get it. No one can ring my bell at any time and expect me to welcome them - unlike my Turkish family does, they are fine with unexpected visits. I need an appointment, I need to know things beforehand, I tried to change but I can't. It's sad however when it is about loneliness and not letting these borders lowered. Just ask someone out for a coffee. Or say yes to the next unexpected invite. Go into that uncomfortable zone and do something. Sitting indoors, complaining doesn't help anyone.

[@CuteCatsofIstanbul]

@@noramaddy4409 They can drink tap water if they have nothing else. They can sit in the park, breathe and enjoy the trees and the birds and not even talk. It is better than doing nothing, stuck at home all alone and complaining about loneliness. Plus I'm sure there are many organisations facilitating these events - coffee, dinner, volunteer stuff, music, card games, basic exercise etc.

[@reader1236]

I was going to say the same: Inga's main problem seems to be that she's lonely.

[@CristinaDaniel-e2i]

600 Euros after rent and bills is not that little, considering you are not falling into debt. It is the norm in Europe even for people who work.

[@peteryap3014]

I have 600 Euros before rent and bills. What is there to complain when you have 600 Euro Net?

[@MendeMaria-ej8bf]

Yes, that's the sad fact in Germany too. If you are poor, you are also very alone without any contacts with all the consequences it entails.

[@malkontentniepoprawny6885]

If you want to live well, don't work, just come by boat.

[@MendeMaria-ej8bf]

@@malkontentniepoprawny6885 If you address me, here my question for you: What or which boat do you recommend me to take and where to? And will I be treated better elsewhere than in the country I was born, lived and worked? If yes, I'm prepared to leave.

[@okinwonderland9734]

​@@MendeMaria-ej8bf I think he means the refugees from Africa who came to Europe by boat and get the state benefits for refugees. I think in Germany the state give about €450 per person per month. Those money can be used to help the poor pensioners perhaps. However, those refugees shouldn't get that free money for long. The state should force them to work as they are shortage of labours Anyway,I don't think it is nice saying like that 1 in 4 ppls came by boat died in the sea. They have hard lives too unfortunately.

[@MendeMaria-ej8bf]

@@okinwonderland9734 Thank you for your comment. What I meant to say: People in a so-called rich country should not be poor while there are more and more millionaires and even billionaires.

[@okinwonderland9734]

@@MendeMaria-ej8bf In theory Yes, but you need to have good system too. After I watched this vdo I think German pensioners' problems are housing and cost of living. With €800 pension per month and still have to pay rent is impossible to live well. Things have to be changed towards Socialism like in the Nordic countries , for example, encourage citizens to contribute more for their pensions, housing aids for pensioners, special grocery discounts for pensioners etc. By the way, I think ANTI immigration policy by the far right isn't the solution. It will only create MORE problems, hatreds, tensions and society devided. The cost of living in Europe increased because of the Russia war not the immigrants. The housing problems are on-going problem in Germany and some other countries in Europe like Ireland which hasn't been solved. Now it is time. Regarding the immigration, the only way to solve is to make the existing immigrants to integrate well and fast enough e.g. learning language and useful skills,to start working and contribute to the society. Germany is aging society and obviously in need more young people to work. Regarding the extra rich citizens, use the socialist policies by taxing them more, tax the windfall profits, tax their business for green policies etc. don't let them exploit the country and don't pay enough. That's what I think. By the way, I am from Thailand. I live and work in Europe now but the the end I will go back to my country to retire. Although, the cost of living in Thailand is not so cheap as it was before as we have high energy and fuel prices too and we never get any help from the government, but we try to survive ourselves. My mother has no pension but she has income from renting 2 apartments about €550 a month and she lives OK in her own home. She grows fruits and vegetables in her garden and give away for free to the poors in the area especially the Myanmar workers. She has her cycle of friends to go out doing activities together. She hardly complains of anything.

[@MusicLover-ui9sm]

Same thing happening in the USA and so many countries

[@juliajs1752]

Old age poverty isn't taboo. It's being discussed and HAS BEEN being discussed for decades, with a rise in discussions after the reunification. Thing is, the people who make the laws never experience it, and that's enough for them to claim that it can't be that bad...

[@rich-ard-style6996]

Typical ignorant politicians. I have seen some of them in german Talk shows. Its almost unbearable to listening to those lies they tell and their ignorance. They plainly deny everything.

[@Pqiss]

The man did not pay anything into pension system, and by the end said he wants to hear "you worked hard and created foundations for us". For whom, when you ignore the system ? So bad examples used ib the documentary.

[@okinwonderland9734]

Exactly, and he didn't even invest in private pension. What does he expect?

[@Bebedollie]

Not being rude but both of the places where the guy and lady are living look cosy and warm and well looked after places. In some countries the living conditions are terrible.

[@ciceroromavisa3399]

Well as a pensioner you work and pay into the system for 50 plus years. I personally worked in the fields, here in Canada, from the age 13, and a other 52 years until the age of 65. The nation that Germany or any European country has an obligation to take in economic migrants is absurd. If you are looking for a culprit for Third World poverty look to corporations such as Blackrock; and if you want to know why so many people are coming to Europe in flight from War look to Washington and the powers behind the scenes that call for war...Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Gaza, Ukraine....

[@todorkolev7565]

@@ciceroromavisa3399 you are kind of right, except that the muslims coming to your country and stealing your tax money do not run AWAY from a war, they run TOWARDS a war - against you!

[@alexanderiliev1431]

@@ciceroromavisa3399 ???? In the 1960s I think there were 5 working people for 1 pensioner in Germany. By 2030 it will be 2 workers for 1 pensioner. So yeah, Germany needs economic migrants if it wants to maintain the welfare state. Also yeah, Blackrock suscks. Generally Vanguard, State Street and the others have lower cost ETFs. Some of the ETFs from Blackrock have 0.3% difference in fees, despite tracking the same index LOL.

[@DragutinJ]

Both guys didn't think about old age when they were young. They had no education. At that time even without school you could make money to travel to poor countries like Greece, Yugoslavia and had an Ubermencsh feeling. Guy was earning 10.000 German Marks monthly? That was 25 time Yugoslavian or Greek monthly salary in 80ies. NAd he ended up in poverty? Yeah too much alcohol and parties on Friday and Saturday night. Lady was probably cashier in supermarket all her life. No education.

[@ArgusAlf]

Very sad to see this happening to old people 😢

[@pennyc8252]

It every where these seniors r much better I think u haven't seen senior poverty in Asia countries

[@ArgusAlf]

@@pennyc8252 I’ve seen bad conditions in Thailand and Hong Kong. May god help those who suffer from poverty.

[@laetitialogan2017]

I wouldn't wish this on anyone...

[@limolnar]

Hopefully young people will begin advocating for those who can't. It's time.

[@gorankovacevic673]

😂 young people have enough of their own problems and will have much more difficulties in the old age, all these cases look like lifestyle and personal choices, many people saved and invested for retirement

[@cm467]

Have two seniors live together, share the cleaning supplies... rent... etc... that will work

[@trinleywangmo]

Most commenters are so privileged and post ignorant comments.

[@Noname-dr1jm]

This is a world wide problem, the main cause is the high cost of living.

[@shauncameron8390]

Not in North Korea.

[@jamesr1703]

I mean let's get real. This is "poverty" in a wealthy country. Gisela has 650 Euros after paying rent and bills. That's a lot of money every month! I could spend only 350 of that on food and save the rest. Poverty in wealthy countries is not being able to go on vacations in your old age.

[@darinherrick9224]

I can’t go on vacations now! And I’m 42!

[@LiborTinka]

@@darinherrick9224 Same here. I'am 40 and never had a single vacation since before Covid.

[@victoriap1561]

They going to the cafe after crying they couldn't eat had me laughing

[@lindalayne8378]

That would depend on the cost of everything. And some people live their entire adult lives without ever going on a vacation.

[@trinleywangmo]

@@victoriap1561 A senior facility that gets donations to afford a slice of cake/coffee so that the elderly aren't committing suicide at a faster rate... Apparently, loneliness is the number one cause of suicides in the elderly. So, yeah, begrudge an old person THAT MUCH! People in this thread sound privileged spoiled and narcissistic that talk badly about those who made Germany what it is today... One of the richest countries in the world. And yet they let their disabled and elderly starve slowly; sad and pathetic.

[@BerigVintrange]

I learned how to live in poverty as a university student in my 20s, I shared houses, purchased non-processed food, read books on nutrition, bought clothes (sparingly) at rummage sales - clothing, used books, household items, also have even dumpster-dived, learned to be grateful, till practice simple living, car-free here in Rochester, NY, drive an adult trike year round, 71 y.o. and joyful still, I own a four bedroom house, share with my best friend, on a need basis I would bring in one more person but right now am doing ok with the basics, I'm a believer in communal living and sharing life's expenses, decreases the desease of loneliness which is a precipitant to many diseases, I wish these people well, I'd frequent those senior centers for the emotional and nutritional support.

[@Angelos_yu]

That's why you pay 50-70% tax, so politicians can spend your money.

[@lagringa7518]

On wars against the common people everywhere.

[@malkontentniepoprawny6885]

They gave the money to ''engineers" and 'doctors" from pontoon boats.

[@gilsonsangulukaniphiri5018]

​@lagringa7518 It looks like they find spending money on the war industry is more lucrative than doling it out to pensioners.

[@lagringa7518]

@@gilsonsangulukaniphiri5018 Basically it's the utter desertion of all our western governments from the 'useless eaters' into the pockets of the people haters! 🤐

[@lagringa7518]

@@malkontentniepoprawny6885 Everybody is bought today... who knew how willing these traitors would be to just kill democracy ...and all those people who facilitated their enrichment by staying overworked and under paid while being pressured to consume and stay in debt for a century... like artificially fattened cows to the slaughter house is what the former citizens have become and now the curtain is down and our usefulness ended.. as they reap all the spoils.

[@ClubBlue3650]

God bless Inga, I want to send her some help. How can I do that from the states? Who can I connect with through DW?

[@murtazarasheed7189]

I want to help her, let’s make a group and help her on monthly basis. I can’t sleep thinking what she said about meals…

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi, thanks a lot for watching and taking the time to comment! Inquiries can be sent via the contact page on the DW website.

[@trollsneedhugs]

​@@murtazarasheed7189Take that love, and give it to your nearby neighbors. I promise they need it just as much.

[@tomswan3401]

0:48 they are mentioning an association Lichtblick (ray of hope) in Munich where she eats. Maybe you can contact them.^^

[@AleksandrMachkov]

600€/month left after rend and bills considered to be poverty in Germany? It's called a middle class in the UK....

[@Jo1162]

OMG this Ulli, being associal not paying in public pension fund when he can contribute. And crying afterwards that the society don't pay more for him.

[@ellebelle8515]

As a retired, single Canadian, our cost of living is one of the highest in the world. But, you can find ways to make life more affordable, I didn't know anyone that I wanted to live with full-time to share the rent: therefore, I decided to move to a small town where I could afford to buy a very small apartment. I shop only in used markets for household needs and clothing. My major expense is food. Not paying high rent in a city is probably what has benefited me the most. It wasn't my first choice of where to live, but it gives me a lot of peace of mind to not have to pay ridiculous high rent.

[@alleaufihreposition]

Okay, so they have to give up their friendships and families to move far away to a foreign but cheaper small town ? That sounds horrible. Do you know that lonelyness is a cause for alzheimers and depression ?

[@Kementiri]

@@alleaufihreposition You obviously have never met any Canadians. We can make friends with anyone :) I could be curious to know where she moved as even small towns are expensive now and no one I know that is hard up on money is buying a "cheap" apartment. There aren't any.

[@GKP999]

As an American, I look at the problems in the US, and I am horrified. I thought Germany had a better social program. I never thought I would see a story like this from there.

[@23merlino]

@@GKP999 - same problem as in a number of other western countries - governments cutting back on all forms of social security due to large national debt and insufficient tax income... one good example being britain... there seriously needs to be a major tax reform in most countries... the super rich whether individuals or companies need to be paying more...

[@ellebelle8515]

@@alleaufihreposition I am one of those who is doing just that- forcing me to make a life in a town where it is more affordable. This is a way of life for a larger part of the world. One way or another we have to sacrifice. They are unhappy with the high cost of living in the cities where they live. Maybe moving to somewhere more affordable will give them the ability to use some of their money for a holiday, for example. It is a choice, and neither is going to be perfect.

[@benfreiler4054]

I’m sorry, I don’t think these people are poor. 600 Euros a month after utilities from pension is quite a bit of money…. plus government provided healthcare, good German public transportation… it’s all relative. And here I am thinking “is Social Security even going to exist for me when I get old?” “What about fellow Millennials in Europe, is their pension system even going to exist for them when they’re old?” For me, it’s a bit exhausting hearing all these 60+ years old always complaining about retirement when they lived in an economic era with decent pension , better wages, and cheap food and housing. My generation is never going to be as well off as them… I’m probably going to have to work for the rest of my life, while my taxes help pay for someone else’s retirement…

[@ellebelle8515]

What??? You need to give some statistics about the 60+ generation living 'in a better time,' in most ways, you seem to think. I am 65, and I grew up and lived through my 20s (1960s, 1970s, 1980S) never going to a restaurant, not having any extra money for travel or luxuries. Everything went into saving for basic living needs. Because economics standards improved for a few of the recent decades, most young people in the West do no know how to live without the luxuries they have grown accustomed to. Believe me, many older people like me, know how to live without better than most of the youth of today.

[@fotter9567]

@@ellebelle8515 You were in your 20ies over three decades? Wow, maybe you should market that skill, could be a real cash cow. BTW, I didn’t travel nor go to fancy restaurants in my 20ies either. Yet, my pension entry age is 73 at the moment. So stop complaining, every statistic shows that the Boomers had it brilliantly. If you didn’t, maybe that’s on you.

[@junglesuperstar9270]

@@fotter9567ok. I travelled every year in my twenties . Of course I ate out . I don’t even understand -what’s the big deal ? It is just life

[@ellebelle8515]

@@fotter9567 I am sorry that you have trouble comprehending. All the numbers are there- I grew up during the 60s and 70s, and was in my 20s in the 1980s. If you want to blame previous generations for your troubles, it won't get you anywhere. I have lived most of my life working for charity as well. But, I am not less happy than any of my friends with more wealth. We need enough, but we can't take our wealth with us. Please take care.

[@billmartins5545]

Exactly this. I'm a Millennial. Studied in higher education until I was almost thirty, have student debt and during PhD I had a stipend so low that at the worst time with the highest rent for a small studio flat, I had about £300 a month for food, clothes, transport, etc. This was ten years ago. This was absolutely doable. So the woman whining that €600 a month is too little is insane. And at least they get some kind of state assistance. We are now forced to pay taxes that go towards state pension without a guarantee to get state pension of similar purchasing power at age 65 (retirement age when I started paying taxes, so when I started the "game"). Note that PhD level jobs don't pay nearly as well as they did a generation ago. I started out below the national average income despite a science PhD from an amazing university, I was 30 already.

[@lld4ae]

This documentary is a little misleading because it fails to inform the viewer that in Germany, work disability insurance is actually very affordable but not legally forced on you like public healthcare insurance. And you can't subtract it partly from income tax like in other countries. So, many people are not interested in this topic and think that the general public health and unemployment insurance protect them from all kinds of consequences of (long-term) illness. And it does, in fact, very well, but not based on their prior economic status but more on the general public social service level (which is relatively high due to high taxes), which does not include the expensive rents in big cities, especially not Munich, which is about three and a half times that. It's kind of the same with private pensions; theirs was never something similar to a 401k. You make your money with your company and quickly pay 35 to 40 present total income tax so that you can take up to 10 % of your income for a private pension, which is effectively not allowed to invest in the stock market. If you go bankrupt on the last day of your work life, nothing of it is protected, and you lose it all. Only the public pension is protected from this, and nothing else is. The public retirement is very ineffective and expensive in Germany compared to any 401k, which lacks in comparison cause they don't manage any kind of asset for you, and just pay out what comes from working people this year.

[@DellDreamer]

People need to save when they are young.

[@wendybrierley5412]

Totally agree. Also always have a pot of emergency money just in case besides investments etc.... Retirement comes around quickly before you know it. Things can happen in between too. Take good care and good planning.

[@trinleywangmo]

And hope that no one harms them, their ability to work, or steals all their wealth and prosperity... sure. The PERFECT LIFE!

[@thisisdevin111]

This is why you plan your retirement decades before. And not rely on the government.

[@annelbeab8124]

Please bear in mind: there is a statutory pension scheme in Germany for employees. From EUR 100 gross income you pay taxes as well as roughly 20 % social security. The employee has to contribute another 20 %. Thus people should be able to trust the system. But there is a growing divide. Also bear in mind the constitution in Germany is based on the principle of a "social state " meaning a state where legal provisions need to made to tax fairly, give opportunities for education and to provide some security in case of illness, unemployment and old age - for those groups that may not save enough and yet need security.

[@trinleywangmo]

It's in the German constitution that every citizen is guaranteed a dignified existence. Starving or freezing, lonely and unable to participate in the small pleasures in life (like being able to afford a small gift at a relative's birthday party or at Christmas), the disabled an elderly are cast aside here... and then it's claimed that they did it to themselves? Or they deserved this? NO!

[@calneitz3681]

I can sure relate to the story. I am a retired Canadian and through circumstances I have to rely on my pension to live here in Canada and find that to buy the little extras' in life I go 4 days a month without eating( one day a week) although a few times it was 6days due to not receiving payment when expected. Our grocery prices are totally out of control. It is only gonna get worse too as the prices' will only keep going up and the more baby boomer retire. I do have family that would help but I am not that type of person and want to rely on myself not feel like I owe someone for living. I have worked hard in my life since I was 15 when I went on my own so the government definitely got there share of money that I put in.

[@NobodySpecial509]

There are food banks all over Canada, I urge you to take advantage of them when needed… ❤

[@pwp8737]

These frustrations feed radical politics in many countries.

[@hayleyfay4779]

radical politics is the answer right now. .😅

[@42apprentice]

Informal food coops where the elderly could pool their food budgets in order to gain better buying power would be a good idea.

[@sateeshprathapani]

Im from India, working in Germany. It was completely a new thing to me how socialistic system works. In India in many families old age people are taken care by their children not by some state system. Here in Germany and other similar countries the system makes the people to get away with that responsibility putting financial pressure leaving people isolated especially at the old age. After a careful thought , understanding here how the system limits ones potential when you are at an young age eventually making vulnerable... Edited: Good to see some tax changes coming for expats ..

[@sara_sofia_1984]

My country has a similar system, but the money given by the state is not enough for people to survive on, they still need help from family. People who have no family are screwed! What I realized is that the perception that "It's not my responsibility, the State will take care of it" has led society to fall apart. People don't care about their neighbors and people around them suffering anymore, they don't feel a sense of personal responsibility to fix it, because they believe that's the role of the state. So, I agree that countries like India might be better off. I've seen people from there be a lot kinder and generous to each other...

[@sateeshprathapani]

@@sara_sofia_1984 Thank you for sharing your opinion. Hope things will get better soon.

[@mochipii]

There's good and bad things in everything. Coming from asia also, the family system you mentioned can also be abused by bad parents, wanting to always be put on a pedestal by their children, gaslight their children, they cannot even have their own lives.

[@phoebeel]

It doesn't work here though. Many young people barely earn enough to support themselves, let alone their parents too.

[@hermes667]

In developt countries a system based on families caring for the old does not work. Children often have to leave the place of their parents to find work or study. Back in the days there has been a housewife which took care of children, elderly or disabled in the family. But today both parents have to work to afford living. There is often no time or space for the old. When my father got disabled in old age, I and my mother took care of. I only could work a few hours a day these times, I was barely living from my savings. So if anyone does this, be aware that you won´t be able to pay a lot in the pension fund and therefore you will be poor at old age, too. This is the system.

[@Ciara.Higgins-xz9im]

As a Taxi Driver in Uk I picked up a pensioner who moaned about the price of food,gas, water bills then said she's off to Benidorm said she goes 3 times a year! Philippines have real poverty

[@logothaironsides2942]

the fact she could afford a taxi tells it all

[@samsungqled1167]

This does not sound that bad, living on 300 or 600 eur per month, after rent and utilities. These people have health care, have food, there are organizations that help them, they can help each-other. Most o them just seem depressed because of old age and because they do not know how to deal with it.

[@birdstwin1186]

They dont have anyone to talk to probably because they chose not to have a family.

[@agilu2745]

First lady , Hilga I suppose, had 800 euro for rent, utility, aren't cheap attention and the rest, some euros for food, medicine and clothes.

[@rochester212]

600 euros a month is plenty of money, unless you have a car or a serious medical condition. They are not really poor, only poor by contrast with other germans.

[@WhyWhyWhy-ms3we]

No, it is not enough .inflation is very high

[@pedrobatista5364]

I think GERMANY can spare OAP from utilities bills.

[@Bulletguy07]

Same here in my country too (UK). The guy at the end summed it up, "the gap between rich and poor is growing wider". In fact I'd say its become a chasm.

[@Bulletguy07]

@@vidaus-ir-lauko-durys What on earth has being married got to do with the opinion I expressed? Poverty has no boundaries.

[@beautifulrose8619]

I've never dreamt, "oh i'll have goose today." that was so cultural.

[@rnman99]

I thought that european countries took care of their citizens from cradle to grave and their elderly didn't starve like those greedy Americans...

[@abbykoop5363]

Same in Canada. And with rents rising many cannot even afford that, let alone any bills or food. I am only a few years away and could likely become homeless.

[@leonardell-bon7104]

That is sad. I am sorry about that, wish I could help.

[@yvonnemoore1128]

Is there a way that you could put your name on the waiting list for low income housing? I wish you all the best.

[@halleykomet5288]

First world country eh?

[@moetocafe]

if you keep politicians like Trudeau in power you will surely end homeless ....

[@halleykomet5288]

Give all the government money to muslims and buy them mansions and porches. All problems solved 👌

[@dandyfi4076]

Poverty in Germany looks like middle class in the U.S.

[@coraltown1]

total BS

[@juvezhang1715]

Poverty in US living in tents along pedestrian😂

[@ams1897]

The American middle class is the wealthiest in the world barring maybe one or two tiny nation states or tax havens. That said, poverty in Germany is not extreme.

[@dandyfi4076]

@@ams1897 You are either dreaming or from a different planet. The middle class in America is all but gone. There is only the rich and poor in America.

[@ams1897]

@@dandyfi4076 You`re dreaming. American middle class levels of wealth is largely unattainable for most European countries. What I would say though is that the American middle class is less secure than the middle class in other countries. The American middle class earns more, lives in larger houses, and has more in the way of consumer wealth than virtually every country in Europe. If you`re trying to say that the average middle class American lives on the 14th floor of some concrete tower block, you`re being purposefully disingenuous. What the American middle class don`t have though is free healthcare, generous benefits, decent employment rights, etc., but those are of varying quality across Europe too.

[@fotter9567]

Before people fall over themselves in sympathy and accuse the German government of cruelty, please note that 23% of the entire German state budget in 2024 is spent on pensions. This is three times more than Germany spends on defense, and around six times more than Germany spends on education and research. The average pensioners household has around 2000 Euros per month. Compared to the average household income of around 3600 Euros, this doesn’t sound too bad. Statistically speaking there has never been a generation that has contributed less to their pensions has taken more out of the pot than these people. This is the generation that will live off of their pensions longest, and has paid very low contributions during their work life compared to younger generations. This is also the generation that didn’t want to invest into cribs, kindergartens, and schools, which has lead to one of the lowest fertility rates on the planet. I will never even have an ounce of sympathy for people from this generation, they were the locusts on our country’s social welfare systems, and my and younger generations will have to clean up the mess that they created.

[@junglesuperstar9270]

Who are u gonna fight with ???! You don’t need a defense budget .

[@victoriap1561]

like the lady Saying she spent 11 years taking care of his dad. And the rest of the time? She probably didn't work much living off her parents and now she's crying

[@tatjana7008]

you speak as if they are your enemies and not co-citizens / friends / family members

[@annelbeab8124]

​@@tatjana7008because in part many of that generation are utterly selfish contrary to their own parents who were much poorer, but gave to them what they could. Many made use of early retirement which is not available anymore at the same age and will cost your up to 18 % of your pension. A person born in 1957 already retirees later, later years will have to work till 67 while their parents left work on average several years earlier. There are pensioners who have double the income of their kids with family and feel entitled to it. It's lopsided. And they also give a hoot about those in their generation who were unfortunate to be single moms or were in less well paid, but often working essential jobs. That's why there is a certain bitterness in the middle aged of the former middle class as they can foretell to have a far less comfortable old age than their parents who they pay towards. Many have no funds to pay into additional pension funds and we see more people working far longer hours than their parents or getting a second job to make ends meet.

[@babuvangu7220]

​@@annelbeab8124 Lol, you coming from the most selfish generation that ever walked this planet, that is quite ironic😂

[@jhickman4735]

Yet people still say the UK is no good. My mother is on UK Pension Credit as is better off than when she was working. She gets full rent and council tax paid, help with heating , free prescriptions, her full state pension, eye exams and a free bus pass to top it off.

[@billmartins5545]

None of that is free, it's paid for my people like me who work in the UK and pay tax here.

[@wendybrierley5412]

Well said! I know! I am not on pension credit.

[@michaelparkin6974]

yes, the UK pension and add ons for people with no or very little savings is very generous ....Equivalent to 1750 Euros a month if the rent and council tax are included and more in expensive areas like London

[@elizabethmcleod246]

The same thing is happening in Canada. It’s disillusioning for the elderly.

[@WANDERER0070]

BS I get 2000$ month pension and my house expenses are 400$ plus have enough savings to live very well. Plan ahead and budget is the secret.😂

[@malkontentniepoprawny6885]

Oh, they can always take advantage of the euthanasia "benefit" provided by the Canadian government. I guess that's all they have to offer to such people.

[@NobodySpecial509]

@@WANDERER0070Then you’re a lucky one. Just because you’re set doesn’t mean all seniors are.

[@donnawilson559]

@@NobodySpecial509 I agree with your answer. Not every senior owns a house, many are renting and rents have gone up 28% in Canada. My own rent has increased $1000 in two years with another increase coming in the new year (I have been advised about this). I am working full time but my salary has not increased and I have not had a pay raise in six years.

[@NobodySpecial509]

@@donnawilson559 That’s absolutely horrendous… I feel so much for seniors on a fixed income. Our current government has done absolutely nothing for them, zero respect nor understanding or sympathy. So sad… 😞 Rental prices are astronomical.. i’ve seen *shared bedrooms* rent out for $1k/each. Sharing a bedroom with a total stranger in a home!!

[@olafvonbraun7300]

Yeah old people are neglected everywhere. This is not just German problem. In Romania it’s exactly the same🫣

[@petruSarac]

The loneliness that comes with old age and poverty feels crushing. I grew up poor, I can do poverty anytime but the loneliness feel unbearable.

[@beautifulrose8619]

I noticed in the hall where they were eating, they had real dishes and silverware. It looked like great food and organic. In US they use syrofoam trays.

[@Kementiri]

The same is happening here in Canada. I live in British Columbia, one of the most expensive provinces in all of Canada to live. Start homes that are dumps start at at $1,000,000 and no one can afford to buy anything and don't start on renting. One bedrooms start over $2k a month or even higher. Most people can't retire at 65 and are working well into their 70's. Food prices here are through the roof and still at pandemic rates so we know we are being scammed. I fear for my retirement and old age :(

[@wendybrierley5412]

For the already retired pensioners, don't they already own a house or flat, mortgage free ?? For the young ones, do they not earn good money ?? Or have help from parents for deposit?

[@Kementiri]

They most likely do, but those houses that they purchased in their younger days are now worth millions, so the taxes on them are through the roof. We aren't living in the 1970s anymore, we are in 2024 and prices are high for everything. There is a choice I guess to sell your home 🫤

[@donnawilson559]

@@wendybrierley5412 Not everyone is able to buy a house or if they do, they may still be paying a mortgage or may be unable to afford the insurance and upkeep. Many retired pensioners rent but rents keep going up constantly. Canada has seen a 28% increase in rent in the last two years.

[@logicbees]

🥺 Sending Love ❤️

[@murtazarasheed7189]

Hi dw How can I contact this women who was nursery teacher and have left hope. Please guide me, I want to help her on monthly basis. Thanks

[@DELLRS2012]

She looked so tired and iron deficient! I felt so bad for all of them, it especially her! 😢

[@nathansuka5302]

I knew it was a first world problem when the person claiming to be on the poverty line chooses to have only organic dietary restriction. 😅

[@Witchfoot.Incorporated]

This is a societal problem. Western European & American families no longer stay living close together. They don’t interact with extended family. Your future plans don’t include parental care. After living in S Florida in a Hispanic/Latino neighborhood for many years, I learned so much & when it was time that I made a family, I followed that model, which includes: all family included extended live relatively close together. Parental care is assumed in all future plans. (No elder went into professional care unless the problems that they had and the care that they needed it was so severe that only an RN could provide them.) If one of your siblings was a shit parent then one of the other family members took the children in permanently. The entire family, celebrates accomplishments and birthdays, and holidays together. Money is GIVEN not loaned, IF you can afford it. This removes any bitter feelings from owing someone money. Children are not forced to move out if they are contributing financially as adults. But if they choose to stay in their parents home, they must still abide by the rules that the parents have set for their home..

[@johan_johansson_]

DW Documentary, vielen Dank wie immer 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@AngelaVlahos]

I'm in USA

[@lolololol98]

Germany needs to give the money to the assylum seekers and muslims.

[@furqanshams2366]

As a legal immigrant and student in germany, things missing here are: 1. Family values. Old people's children should give them money to keep them bouyant. As I give to my family back home. 2. Germany needs to stop spending on the global interests. Charity begins at home.

[@tatjana7008]

Oh don't even try to say them about 1., its useless. They are also making their own grave, because their children will do the same to them. I observed marriages between people where mothers comes from individualistic culture and they teach these values to their kids. They both end up in poverty when they got old and fathers were riddled why their children abandoned them, after he was working his whole life to provide

[@ifigeniagakoudi6465]

As greek i feel tempted to laugh now that poverty hits Germany's door, remembering how we were called lazy and ridiculed during the economic crisis. But i would never do that because i have experienced myself how poverty is not the fault of the poor but of capitalism. I just hope germans will learn that too now

[@speakup18]

Is rather unfortunate,, they have money's for war but not for the poor 😢..

[@malkontentniepoprawny6885]

Not for war, for guests from Africa and the Middle East who don't want to work.

[@Sasa-pm7jc]

Also War.​@@malkontentniepoprawny6885

[@moetocafe]

@@malkontentniepoprawny6885 and for war

[@mrigyak]

I am really curious, do families not help their parents? Or maybe the stories in the video were from people with no living families? Also I'm realising poverty is very relative. Germany's poverty is india's lower/mid middle class. They receive just enough money to pay rent and utilities, and everything else needs to be managed by government provided food or a second job.

[@insertname2035]

Western culture doesn't value family

[@Goldzwiebel]

The children don't give any money because their parents are in relative poverty. For example, one grandmother wanted to eat a goose - that's pure luxury! Many young people have never cooked a goose at home. Many complain that they can no longer afford expensive bakery bread and store-bought cakes, while the millennials never could. In this documentary, you could also see that the pensioners want to meet people outside instead of inviting others to their home for a café. This doku was not an example that really shows poverty. It just shows high expectations.

[@Oldeagle66]

Not everyone has or wants family help. Don't ever get in the mindset that is why people have children and they'll always be around. That's thinking from the old agriculture generation in the late 19th century.

[@mrigyak]

@@Goldzwiebel that's what I thought too. But then I thought maybe their living standards have been higher than me all their life and now adjusting to lower standards might be an issue for them? I don't understand it very well. But I'm trying to.

[@mrigyak]

@@Oldeagle66 agreed. They must have planned something for old age, if they were not relying on their children. Some savings/investments Maybe? I cannot imagine relying on my the money from my pension account, unless I'm actively investing much more than the mandated amount in it.

[@GameChanger-cr4hx]

Somehow the politicians can find more money for Ukraine and Nato.

[@chrisfryer3118]

Otherwise they would be as poor as Russian pensioners

[@jaylu7021]

It hurts me to know that countries have money for wars but no money for these poor old people.

[@bobbybannerjee5156]

Europe is slowly becoming like us, the third world. And for the same reason, indifference. Political apathy.

[@davechristian7543]

Wow well us aussies r living like kings then if he only has 300 left after rent n so on for a hole month lol but dont forget that guy lives in a big city like Munich so no wonder he cant afford more than just a one room apartment

[@victoriap1561]

they could move but they are too entitled to do that

[@artemduk9808]

And nobody talks about demography. It's a result of not having enough children, isn't it?

[@shauncameron8390]

Because they were too busy with career and lifestyle taking their futures for granted.

[@drewbranch7700]

How I wish we could adopt the Nordic system,but that wouldn’t go well here in the USA.

[@breal7277]

No, because we live in a plutocracy and the powers that be will never allow that.

[@BranislavB-hx9zy]

Nordic system is a myth, big differences between Nordic countries. If the goal is the best possible welfare, then the Netherlands and Sweden are the best in Europe.

[@donnawilson559]

@drewbranch7700 What is the Nordic system?

[@XtremeLife]

And German is depending on China and Russia.... Danke schön Merkel and Sholtz ..

[@junglesuperstar9270]

Worse . Germany as a country does not exist. It is just an American military base .

[@trinleywangmo]

@@junglesuperstar9270 Right... with merely 38k soldiers stationed here since Turnip closed all the bases... stop spreading misinformation!

[@junglesuperstar9270]

@@trinleywangmo seriously ? You have thousands of foreign troops on your soil and you are ok with that ? Omg. How is to possible yo be so brainswashed ?

[@Shivu-u2e]

Give money for illegal immigrants rather than giving for real people of Germany

[@worldcitizen9847]

Are Germans crying due to poverty? After the war, until the end of the 1990s, Poles cried in poverty and the cold, but no one seemed to care. And now we have to feel sorry for the Germans? So now they should go all over the world and work hard for low wages!

[@leonardell-bon7104]

It has nothing to do with German population. Most Germans live a good life. That is the reason most foreign workers want German working visas.

[@clivebaxter6354]

German pensions is much higher than UK, they are lucky.

[@trinleywangmo]

You mean for government pensioners...

[@shauncameron8390]

Only for bureaucrats.

[@louisebb4183]

The richest European country have billions for Ukraine war or the millions invaders!

[@saarinmaki]

Billions is nothing! Germany has supported Hungary Poland Romania Bulgaria Greece and some other European countries with trillions! Support for Merkels import of millions of refugees also cost trillons!

[@initialb123]

I'm sorry but these people have money to live on after rent and bills, while also having no day job or any personal income ? Get a grip, meet the "working poor" we have today... While this video might be a sign of things to come for us, these people live in relative wealth.

[@ellebelle8515]

Well, they are old- one is still working part of the time, the other two, 75 and the 67 year old had injuries. Their work days are in the past.

[@victoriap1561]

​@@ellebelle8515but they are getting by, what they want is to have a lot of money out of a pension system they didn't contribute to or live off working people and making them worse off. I feel sorry for the lady that got an injury, but the one that was 11 years taking care of her dad... i just don't buy it, she was probably doing nothing for a good chunk of her time, 11 years is a very long time. The other dude is just a bad business man.

[@ellebelle8515]

@@victoriap1561 Well, I do actually agree that these are not Seniors who live with actual poverty. They probably live better than many Seniors even in the West, and definitely better than most of the Seniors of the world.

[@omery.8342]

what about the medication for retired people ? do they need to pay or insurance can cover the expenses?

[@YourRichAuntie]

I lived in Hamburg Germany about a decade ago. I'm now in California and I am a Wealth Manager. I do retirement planning often and it's sad to know that not having enough in retirement is a global problem. These people could be in Germany or in the US - two of the wealthiest countries and they'd still face the same problems. Some of it is financial education - Olle states that he wished he had put more away in retirement. Part of it is that people are living longer - three generations ago, people died much younger and this wasn't an issue. I don't have a solution, but for younger people watching this - you can't depend on the government to support you in old age. If you're going to spend 30 years in full retirement, you need millions saved/invested. The only way you're going to reach that number is if you start investing very early. If you're 20/30, start investing for your retirement TODAY

[@q___m2158]

This works until there's no financial crisis and hyperinflation. Millions of people who have been saving all their lives were left with nothing. Take USSR, life savings evaporated when it collapsed. It may not be the case in the USA, but still investment and planning is not always the answer

[@ifigeniagakoudi6465]

Public retirement system would be much more effective but how would the corporates makeoney then hah?

[@YourRichAuntie]

@@ifigeniagakoudi6465 I don't know if public retirement would be more effective. Our public retirement system in the US is running in to hot water and the problem isn't with the funding, it's with longevity and people taking retirement "early" at 62. Social Security will soon be redesigned complete with higher taxes, but I think it's a public AND private solution together.

[@annelbeab8124]

​@@ifigeniagakoudi6465Please bear in mind: there is a statutory pension scheme in Germany for employees. From EUR 100 gross income you pay taxes as well as roughly 20 % social security. The employee has to contribute another 20 %. Thus people should be able to trust the system. But there is a growing divide. Also bear in mind the constitution in Germany is based on the principle of a "social state " meaning a state where legal provisions need to made to tax fairly, give opportunities for education and to provide some security in case of illness, unemployment and old age - for those groups that may not save enough and yet need security.

[@tomswan3401]

In Germany men can retire at 67 years. At 80+ they are like potatoes. So at most 20 years in retirement, in no case 30 years in retirement.^^

[@prettypuff1]

Meanwhile, millennials and younger in the US won’t be retiring. Pension/Social Security system will collapse before we can get it it despite paying into it during our working years

[@maryroberts6311]

be thankful you still have shelter in the usa seniors are our fastest growing homeless

[@blabla-hj4tg]

no surprise! Germany is not a place that cares for the middle class the people who pay taxes, you get almost nothing for paying much income tax as a freelancer!!!. On top of that, if you have bought an apartment as a freelancer and get into financial problems, and need support from the country, they will stupidly ask you to sell it to have money, so they create poverty in old age.