Forced labor of pensioners: why they don’t stay at home

The increase in utility tariffs and the reduction in state subsidies create extremely difficult conditions for Ukrainian pensioners, forcing them to look for work even in old age. State services, in particular, do not take into account the state of health and existing demographic challenges.

Oleh Popenko, a specialist in the field of housing and communal services and energy, during a conversation with journalist Lana Shevchuk on his YouTube channel, emphasized the seriousness of this problem. He criticized the statements of representatives of the Ministry of Social Policy, who interpret the work of older people as a manifestation of their activity and desire to be aware of events.

Popenko emphasized that officials are trying to pass off forced decisions as labor enthusiasm. As an example, the expert recalled the words of the former head of the relevant ministry, who claimed that 65-year-old men strive to work, not sit at home. However, according to Popenko, such an official position contradicts reality. According to his data, the average life expectancy of men in Ukraine is only 57 years, so many never live to retire.

As for women, the situation is also alarming: although the average life expectancy of women is about 72 years, many of them are forced to work to make ends meet. Many choose low-paid and physically demanding jobs. The analyst advises paying attention to a large supermarket, where elderly women often work at the checkouts, who get very tired during the shift.

Elderly people usually try to find work in the areas of security, guard service or at checkouts. The main reason for this is the fear of high utility bills, including electricity and gas.

The expert emphasized that elderly people work not out of their own desire, but because of the need to survive and pay for the maintenance of their homes. He warned that due to the reduction in subsidies, more and more pensioners will be forced to look for work.

Earlier it was reported that Ukrainians are becoming victims of excessive prices for medicines in pharmacies. There was also news that the new law on housing and utilities will lead to an increase in financial costs for utilities.

In addition, it became known that utility tariffs may increase in the near future.