Rising Living Expenses in Turkey Force Seniors to Rejoin Workforce
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Ankara, Dec 2 (NationPress) The escalating cost of living in Turkey is compelling many seniors to re-enter the workforce to support themselves, according to a prominent pensioners' association.
Significant inflation, a depreciated Turkish lira, and stagnant pensions have left retirees struggling to meet their basic needs.
Kazim Ergun, president of Turkey's Retirees Association, disclosed that nearly four million retirees, roughly one-fourth of the nation’s total, are employed across various sectors such as retail, agriculture, and transportation.
"Numerous retirees are obliged to return to work due to the economic difficulties facing the country," Ergun stated to Xinhua news agency, adding that "The majority of these retirees are working informally, lacking appropriate contracts or benefits."
Since 2018, Turkey's economy has suffered from currency devaluation and persistently high inflation, which have diminished the purchasing power of the lira and strained household finances.
Although annual inflation decreased to 48.6 percent in October from 75.5 percent in May, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continues to heavily burden retirees.
The average monthly pension stands at 15,000 liras (approximately 430 US dollars), which is barely sufficient to cover basic necessities like rent, utilities, and food in urban settings.
"My pension is insufficient to support my family, thus, due to economic challenges, I must keep working," explained Timucin Akcaoz, a 63-year-old former furniture designer now employed in retail in Ankara, to Xinhua.
"High inflation has drastically affected our family budget. My wife and I both receive pensions, but they are inadequate to cover our expenses," he added.
Semih Tufan, a 70-year-old former civil servant who recently worked as a part-time taxi driver, also shared his worries about the soaring cost of living.
"Many elderly individuals around me are either working or seeking employment due to economic pressures," he remarked.
The rising living expenses have led to calls for government intervention, including increased pension payments, rent control, and measures to tackle inflation.
Turkish authorities have assured the public that they will continue to assist citizens in fighting inflation by raising the minimum wage amid persistent price pressures.
