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My parents are state pensioners. My mom started working aged 16, having dropped out when her dad died, to take care of her mom. My dad has worked since he was 16. They saved, they put away for retirement. /2
My sister is permanently dependent on them as she is mentally and physically handicapped. She also receives a state pension.
Over the past 10 years they've had to cash out policies and deplete their savings./3
Over the past 10 years they've had to cash out policies and deplete their savings./3
Medical emergencies and other unexpected problems have had their toll.
Fortunately, white privilege means my brother and I are varsity educated and they have managed to accumulate assets which could be sold to keep them going./4
Fortunately, white privilege means my brother and I are varsity educated and they have managed to accumulate assets which could be sold to keep them going./4
Rod and I bought a property in partnership with them in 2016. I help to support them and they aren't wholly reliant on the state.
But even so I've watched my grocery bill go up by 25 percent since February, medical costs are going up and fuel is climbing /5
But even so I've watched my grocery bill go up by 25 percent since February, medical costs are going up and fuel is climbing /5
Even so, we are incredibly lucky. If we were a black family, things would be significantly harder. Every time I notice increases to the cost of living, I wonder how black pensioners cope.
We have GOT to do better. We cannot watch vulnerable people starve./6
We have GOT to do better. We cannot watch vulnerable people starve./6
I'm honestly afraid for the elderly in out townships as this pandemic takes hold.
I'm afraid for children raised in grandparent-headed households.
Most of all, I'm afraid for our humanity. We should cherish our elderly, not sacrifice them on the altar of the economy.
I'm afraid for children raised in grandparent-headed households.
Most of all, I'm afraid for our humanity. We should cherish our elderly, not sacrifice them on the altar of the economy.
