IPA President Buğra Gökce shares: Poverty and risk of social exclusion among the elderly are increasing in Turkey

Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA) President Buğra Gökce shared striking data regarding the risk of poverty and social exclusion in Turkey in a post on the social media platform X. According to the data provided by Gökce, the risk of poverty and social exclusion among the elderly population, in particular, is on the rise.

1 IN EVERY 4 ELDERLY PEOPLE IS AT RISK

It was stated that in 2024, approximately 1 in every 4 elderly people in Turkey was under the risk of poverty or social exclusion. This rate was recorded as 17 out of 100 elderly people in 2021. Over the last three years, the rate of the elderly population being at risk of poverty and social exclusion has seen a significant increase, rising to 23 percent.

INCOME SHARE OF RETIREES HAS DECREASED

While the number of retirees increased by 85.3 percent between 2009 and 2024, the share of pension payments in total income fell from 18.3 percent to 15.6 percent. This situation has created a picture in income distribution that is disadvantageous to the elderly, despite the growing retiree population.

HOUSING COSTS ARE A BURDEN ON THE POOR

93.8 percent of individuals living below the poverty line stated that covering housing costs constitutes a major burden. This rate stands out as a significant indicator of the difficulties the poor population faces in meeting their basic needs.

2.7 MILLION POOR IN ISTANBUL

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) 2024 "Poverty and Living Conditions Statistics" bulletin, the number of people living below the poverty line, calculated by taking into account 60 percent of the median equivalized household disposable income in Istanbul, was determined to be 2 million 756 thousand. This figure reveals the deepening social inequality in Turkey's largest metropolis.

SOCIAL POLICIES ARE NECESSARY

While these data shared by Gökce show that the elderly population is facing an increasingly growing risk of poverty and social exclusion, they also reveal that this situation makes the need for social solidarity and social policy even more apparent. It is emphasized that policies to reduce income inequality and the risk of social exclusion in Turkey must be implemented.

?? Approximately 1 in every 4 elderly people in Turkey is at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

?? For approximately 94 percent of those living below the poverty line, housing costs are a burden.

?? In 2021, 17 out of 100 elderly people in Turkey were at risk of poverty or social exclusion… https://t.co/rALhhIDCuV

— Dr. Buğra Gökce (@gokcebugra) January 3, 2025

News Source: 12punto