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Struggling pensioners and children in poverty: Marzahn between hope and crisis
The article sheds light on the life of a 74-year-old pensioner in Berlin-Marzahn who struggles with social challenges and poverty.
Struggling pensioners and children in poverty: Marzahn between hope and crisis
In the Berlin district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf there are pressing social challenges that particularly affect children and older people. During a recent conversation with a 74-year-old pensioner in a Späti, he expressed his frustration with the current situation for many seniors and its impact on their lives. He has lived in a four-and-a-half-room apartment for 42 years, for which he pays 816 euros in rent, while he and his wife have to get by on a joint pension of around 2,441 euros. Despite this financial burden, which is not uncommon in a poverty-stricken environment, he tries to remain optimistic and committed to helping others.
The social situation in Marzahn-Hellersdorf is tense. According to [gesellschaft.uberalles.live](https://gesellschaft.uberalles.live/31609-jedes-vierte-kind-in-berlin- leben-in-armut-marzahn-hellersdorf-als-socialer-brennpunkt), every fourth child in this district lives in poverty. This poverty is not only reflected in financial deprivation, but also in limited living conditions. The pensioner, who himself struggles with severe disabilities, emphasizes the challenges that older people experience when interacting with authorities and health insurance companies. This reflects a broader perception in society grappling with the difficulties of social support.
The reality of poverty
In Germany, being at risk of poverty means earning less than 60% of the median income of the entire population. According to destatis.de, around 15.5% of the population was at risk of poverty in 2024, with the rate for people aged 65 and over being 19.4%. These figures are particularly alarming as women are often more severely affected across all age groups. In the case of pensioners, this problem is particularly evident in the financial burdens that result from their living situation.
The pensioner, who describes his past as an alcoholic - he has only been three-quarters sober for 33 years - has a remarkable will to stand up for others. He helps people who are confronted with the same challenges from health insurance companies as himself. His reflections on politics, especially the AfD and its criticism of the existing conditions, illustrate his perspective on the social issues that affect him and many of his neighbors.
Social isolation in old age
Social isolation is another pressing issue. The pensioner points out that many older people live in similar financial hardships and often have difficulty finding suitable housing. This isolation is exacerbated by rent increases and a lack of repairs in apartments. Despite all the challenges, he spreads humor and embraces life with a fighting attitude.
“All Jute!” - with this expression the pensioner says goodbye and leaves the impression of a person who has not given up hope despite adverse circumstances.
Marzahn-Hellersdorf acts as a microcosm for many urban problems seen in different parts of Germany. The region's initiatives that work towards positive change are crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for the coming generation. The pensioner and many of his neighbors will continue to fight with determination for better conditions, both for themselves and for future generations.