Wenerau Te Kanawa, Wairarapa Supergrans co-ordinator, agrees and says the financial struggle often leaves people totally isolated and lonely.
"The pension is very little. We have one lady who only has $80 to live on after she pays all her expenses each week, there's nothing left over for her to do anything, certainly nothing socially - it's very sad.
"Many elderly also have a pet which is their only company and that's an extra expense. Some of these people have to get help sometimes from the foodbank, but of course the foodbank does not provide food for animals. I try and help them myself sometimes, and take some pet food around for them."
Whenerau encourages anyone needing help to contact SuperGrans.
"We have an advocate who will act on someone's behalf. It may be just going to WINZ with someone or helping to provide support in otherways."
Despite help being offered freely by many community organisations, getting people to ask for help is not always easy.
Budget Advice Services manager Grant Howard believes pride often stops people from asking for help or advice.
``I know there are a lot of people on the pension who are experiencing serious financial problems. It's hard for some people to ask for help but that's what we are here for. There are a number of things they may be entitled to but perhaps don't know about, such as the living alone allowance which is $55 per week.
``That's an extra $110 a fortnight a person can claim on top of their pension - that's their groceries. There's also the
rates rebate they can apply for which they may be eligible for but not everyone is sure if they are.
`` I often go with people to give them support and get the help they're entitled to, and I'm happy to speak on their behalf.
``I know it's hard for someone who may have managed their money all of their lives to ask for help but I'd encourage people to come up and see us.''
Unfortunately, lack of money can lead to isolation, depression and lack of self worth. This is something Yvonne Davy, of the Wairarapa Women's Centre, believes could be helped if there was an opportunity for those pensioners who wanted to work to be able to.
``Just because someone has retired does not mean they wouldn't like a part time job if one was available. I think with the elderly, unfortunately there is less chance for them to earn any extra money as they may be seen by employers as too old.
``We have a lot of poverty here and unfortunately I think many of our elderly are a forgotten entity. There's a stiff upper lip with the older generation and they won't ask for help, but if they need too they should. There are some great organisations out here for them.
``Old age ain't for sissies, to get through old age you have to have real fortitude.''
