The terrible daily life of elderly people in Orne affected by poverty and isolation

We could come across Pierre in L'Aigle (Orne) dozens of times without noticing it. At 61 years old, with snow-white hair, he wears a good-natured smile. Moreover, he is very proud to say that he donned the Santa costume this year for the first time. It was an honor to be someone else in the eyes of the children. In his appartement HLM of 40m square he agreed to receive us. He turned on the electric heater to warm things up. But it's an expense he doesn't usually allow himself.

“We don’t see anyone here, we live between the walls”

Orne is the department normand most affected by poverty. Precariousness, Health difficulties and isolation often go hand in hand. The poverty rate is 15,6 % while it is only 13,7 % in Normandy and 14,4 % at the national level. Orne is experiencing a particular situation.

Poverty lives hidden

The figures are known, but the reality of what those affected by their life difficulties experience remains hidden. The people we met spoke only modestly about their situation. They want to remain dignified. There is a certain shame in admitting that you need help.

Many poor elderly people don't ask for anything. Sometimes due to lack of knowing who to ask, according to an October study by Petits Frères des Pauvres.

Energy poverty

We have all already met Pierre or other people like him. Pierre wears two sweaters in his apartment. He got used to it to fight against the cold. Fuel poverty is one of the most severe problems this year.

76 % poor elderly people in the region consider that their living conditions have deteriorated. 49 % have the feeling of being abandoned within society. And 69% of them experienced deprivation regarding food, heating or health. Pierre lives on the RSA while waiting for retirement.

Gas heating is €80 per month, I can't afford it

With his disabled adult allowanceHe receives €592 per month. “In the morning I don’t eat”, after a life of odd jobs, precariousness and periods of unemployment.

Volunteers from Petits Frères des Pauvres come to the aid of 22 isolated elderly people in the L'Aigle sector. An increasing figure. 7 people must be seen soon to find out if they can benefit from their visits.

We saw a person who turned off their fridge in summer to save electricity in preparation for winter.

The association of Petits Frères des Pauvres offers above all moral help. Of the volunteers give their time to listen to isolated people and help them in their efforts. Sometimes excursions or vacation stays are offered.

When we listen to them, 80% of problems are solved

The Little Brothers of the Poor don't just listen. They also connect, they put people in contact with services d’aides. The average income of the people monitored varies from €1,000 to €500 per month. In France, the poverty threshold is €1,216 per month for a single person.

Difficulties often accumulate

“We are often affected by difficulties in accessing healthcare services. Sometimes doctors refuse to issue medical transport vouchers.” The association sometimes pays for transport for people needing care.

We visit a dame 83-year-old who lives alone in an apartment. Above all, she doesn't want to be recognized. She also doesn't want to attract looks of pity.

Courses with accidents

She talks about her journey. Her husband died, her children left, the farm given to one of her children. She receives a survivor's pension. She is not entitled to HLM. She lives in a damp apartment for which she pays more than €600 per month. He still has enough to live on by doing attention to everything. “In the evening I eat three rusks. »

Make things happen

The association Les Petits Frères des Pauvres does not only help and support the elderly. She soldier also to improve the effectiveness of employment retention policies for seniors. For assistance with home adaptation and improvement work. For the implementation of the “Bus France service”, a system allowing less mobile elderly people to have access to public services.

At the start of the year, the association always has a few more volunteers than at the end. Helping isolated elderly people is morally hard. Even though there are often smiles and sincere gratitude, being attentive to hear, without judging, requires energy.

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