Tony, 86, Ireland: The difference a pension makes

Tony, 86, believes it is a good time to be older in Ireland. (c) Age Action Ireland

Tony Fitzpatrick, 86, has lived in Dublin, Ireland all his life. He and his wife live in the family home. They have one grandson.

Tony describes his life as content, peaceful and busy. He enjoys walking, working in his back garden, having a pint of Guinness at his local rugby club and spending time chasing his grandson on his tricycle.

Having worked in the civil service until the age of 65 means that Tony receives a large pension. He has paid off his mortgage and has also bought a house for his surviving daughter, giving her and his grandson some form of financial security.

A pension can make a huge difference

"In general, I believe that it is a good time to be older in Ireland," he says. "There are many people I know who are well and who have financial security. We enjoy free travel on public transport. Although the government tried to withdraw the free medical card for people over 70, this decision was revoked for the majority of people.

"Of course, things could be better. If a person is on the low state pension, it must be hard to maintain a living. I know that I am lucky with my lot."

Tony is one of only a minority of older people across the world who have access to any kind of pension. According to the International Labour Organization, only about 20% of the global working-age population has effective access to comprehensive social protection, including pensions.

Ensuring that all older people can enjoy a secure income

Ensuring that all older people can enjoy a minimum income is a core recommendation of Ageing in the Twenty-First Century. The report calls for the implementation of national social protection floors and other social investments that extend the independence of older people.

HelpAge is working to ensure that governments uphold the rights of older people to a secure income. We are encouraging governments to provide pensions as part of their basic social protection system.

Around five million more older people are now receiving social (non-contributory) pensions or benefits worth about £750 million per year in countries where we have been active.