Older Australians are experiencing severe housing stress that's pushing many into poverty and social isolation, with some spending up to 90% of their aged pension on rent alone.
The Hidden Crisis of Elderly Housing Stress
When Australians discuss housing stress, the conversation typically focuses on younger generations struggling to enter the property market. However, IRT Age Matters charity manager Natasha Debsieh reveals this perception overlooks a growing crisis affecting older residents.
"I know this is a really fantastic intergenerational debate - that most older people are affluently living in their own home and that the younger generation will never get into property," Ms Debsieh said. "But the reality is there's so many people who are still renting as they age."
Pensioners Paying 90% of Income on Rent
The situation has become particularly dire in the Illawarra region, where the average unit now rents for $570 per week. For single aged pensioners receiving maximum rental assistance, this consumes an unsustainable portion of their income.
"You're paying 80 or 90 per cent of your pension towards that rent if you're a single person," Ms Debsieh explained. "We're really seeing that impact for anyone who is renting."
The financial pressure is forcing older Australians into inadequate living conditions that compromise their dignity and safety. Many are resorting to living in sheds, garages, and informal handshake agreement accommodations because their options have become so limited.
Compounding Challenges for Older Australians
Beyond basic housing costs, older Australians face additional financial pressures that younger people typically don't encounter. These include expenses for hearing aids, glasses, medications, and specialist medical appointments.
"They're less mobile, so you've got a challenge of getting around to resolve your situation, getting around to shopping," Ms Debsieh noted. "Maybe you have to pay for an expensive taxi."
The problem is exacerbated by government payments failing to keep pace with inflation. "We haven't seen the aged pension, like most government payments, increase with the rate of inflation," she said. "It's really contributing to the poverty rate which we know in Australia is one in four older people living in poverty."
Social Isolation and Limited Support Networks
Housing stress and financial pressure create a vicious cycle of social isolation for older Australians. With limited disposable income, many cannot afford to participate in social activities or maintain connections.
"The cohort of people that we're working with are people that don't have family, they don't have anyone that they can trust to help them resolve the situation," Ms Debsieh said. "So they're kind of stuck in what housing they do have and have no idea how to get out of it."
IRT Age Matters provides crucial face-to-face support in an increasingly digital world. "We're a face-to-face service in an environment where so many things are digital and have a centralised phone centre," Ms Debsieh explained.
The situation represents a long-term challenge rather than a temporary setback. "It's not just something that's a short-term situation. It's very difficult to resolve on your own without help," she emphasized.
As social isolation increases, individuals' situations can deteriorate further, creating deeper entrenchment in poverty and making recovery increasingly difficult without intervention and community support.
