Access to housing has become one of the main problems for thousands of people in Spain. Furthermore, it is a problem that no longer only affects the youngest, who do not have the purchasing power to buy a house, but also affects even the oldest. The increase in rent, together with the increase in the cost of living, is forcing many retirees to look for formulas that just a few years ago seemed unthinkable, such as sharing a flat at an advanced age.
According to data from social organizations such as the Network to Fight Poverty and Social Exclusion (EAPN-ES), an important part of Spanish pensioners lives at risk of poverty or social exclusion. In this context, stories of older people who must live with strangers or resort to public aid to make ends meet are becoming more frequent.
Several retirees over 80 years of age speak clearly: “It hurt me when my son told me that I should sell the house and move to a residence.”
Farley (65 years old) speaks clearly about retirement: “it gives you a freedom that is terrifying and exciting at the same time”
That is the case of Miguel Ángel, a 78-year-old retiree who recounted his situation in an interview with Radio Castellón. “I have been sharing a flat for six years now,” he explains resignedly, making it clear that it is not a voluntary decision, but rather an economic necessity.
An insufficient pension to pay the rent
Miguel Ángel assures that his pension barely allows him to cover basic expenses. “I charged 650 euros and the person who lives here charged 450,” he comments on the coexistence he has maintained for years to be able to pay for the home. Between them they faced a rent of 700 euros per month, although they acknowledge that price increases have complicated the situation even more.
“It is impossible to get to that,” laments the pensioner, who explains that he has even been forced to apply for social assistance to be able to support himself. “I have requested minimum income,” he says, referring to the Minimum Vital Income (IMV), a benefit intended for people with low economic resources.
The situation you describe reflects the reality of many retirees who, after a life working, receive pensions that are too low to meet the current cost of housing, especially in certain cities where rents continue to reach historic highs.
Sharing a flat is no longer something exclusive to young people
Until a few years ago, sharing a flat was a practice mainly associated with students or young workers. However, the increase in rental prices is changing the profile of those who resort to this coexistence formula.
In the case of Miguel Ángel, sharing housing has become the only viable alternative to avoid becoming homeless. Most of their income goes to paying rent and supplies, leaving very little room for food, medicine or any unforeseen expenses.
In addition to economic pressure, this type of situation also has a strong emotional impact. Many seniors are forced to give up the tranquility or intimacy of living alone due to a lack of sufficient resources.
More and more pensioners need help to survive
Miguel Ángel’s story highlights some of the main problems that currently affect low-income retirees in Spain:
- Reduced pensions that do not cover basic expenses.
- High rents compared to income.
- Dependence on social aid such as the IMV.
- Need to share housing to reduce expenses.
- Risk of poverty and social exclusion among older people.
At 78 years old, Miguel Ángel admits that he never imagined he would find himself in this situation. However, the constant rise in prices and the low purchasing power of many pensions are pushing many retirees into an increasingly harsh reality: sharing a flat in order to survive.