A lifetime of work – and yet the pension is not enough for the bare necessities. This fate affects more than three million people in Germany. As the first association of its kind in Germany, LichtBlick Seniorenhilfe e.V. has been working since 2003 to help seniors whose pensions are insufficient for a life of dignity and social participation. Consileon Business Consultancy supports this association and would like to help raise awareness of the issue of poverty among the elderly. That’s why we also talked to Lydia Staltner, the founder of LichtBlick Seniorenhilfe, to learn more about it.

Mrs. Staltner, why did you decide to found this association almost 20 years ago?

Many years before, I observed an old lady in my neighborhood in Munich. Whether summer or winter – day after day she wore the same worn pair of shoes. At that time I did not dare to approach her and offer her my help. But I could never forget the old lady. In 2003, I founded LichtBlick Seniorenhilfe, the first association in Germany to help elderly people in need. The aim was to overcome the fear of contact that I had felt and to work together to promote aging with dignity.

We are now active in three cities – Munich, Münster and Deggendorf – and on two levels: as helpers in concrete need and as advocates.

What can you do to combat poverty in old age? How do you help people in need?

About a year ago, many seniors contacted us around the 20th of the month because they had no more money and could not buy anything to eat – now they contact us around the 10th of the month. It can’t be that these people have worked all their lives and once helped to build our country – and now they don’t even have money for the bare necessities.

We support needy pensioners with food vouchers, sponsorships (35 euros a month) and emergency aid for things that are urgently needed. These include, for example, a new television set, payment of an electricity or heating oil bill, and even the occasional new pair of glasses.

Our LichtBlick Seniorenhilfe association helps pensioners over 60 who draw a German pension and receive basic benefits or housing allowance, or whose pension is only just above the assessment threshold. We accompany these people not only over the winter or for a few months, but throughout their lives.

How many people are currently using the service?

Throughout Germany, the association supports around 25,000 needy senior citizens. In Upper Bavaria, there are around 9,000 poor pensioners. The number is growing every day. A year ago, for example, around 50 new applications a week arrived at our Munich office. Now there are around 100 a week!

The seniors’ need is growing: They simply can’t afford the high prices for electricity, heating and food. Many say, “I’d rather freeze than starve.”
Just recently, a poor pensioner told us that she can no longer afford her daily kiwi – even though she has worked all her life.
 
Unfortunately, on the other hand, we notice that the willingness to donate is decreasing, because the fear of high energy prices runs through almost all strata of the population. Everyone is trying to save.

Is there a special offer for needy seniors at Christmas?

Due to the extreme rise in food prices, we have decided on a very special offer: Many of our LichtBlick pensioners will receive a food voucher. So that the fridge doesn’t remain empty at Christmas.

My motto is “Those who help others will themselves receive rich gifts and be happy.”

Donations instead of gifts – according to this slogan Consileon supports further organizations and associations.