90% of elderly ‘at risk of poverty’

NEARLY nine out of 10 older people could be at risk of poverty if welfare supports are cut in next December’s budget, an alliance of non-government bodies has warned.

The Older and Bolderalliance further claims the situation is even more precarious for older people living alone, where 96% would be at risk of poverty without such social supports.

The group claims any cuts to welfare and social supports would have a devastating effect on the aged, stating that more than 86% of older citizens would be affected by further cuts.