Sir, – Commenting on our economy, Cliff Taylor describes as “a remarkable turnaround” a change since 2007 (”Over-65s are better off and calling the political shots, while younger generations are struggling, Opinion & Analysis, September 7th). In the intervening years, the over-65 age group have gone from being 25 per cent below their younger compatriots to overtaking them in terms of disposable income.
It may not be a turnaround at all though.
Most people who were over 65 in 2007 will be dead by now, realistically.
Many who are now in that demographic will have inherited some wealth from those now deceased elders, a group whom, as the 2007 data shows, they were already better off than.
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They were well off under-65s in 2007 and are, apparently, even better off over-65s now.
For those who were then impoverished and over 65, and remain alive, it’s unlikely they’ve struck gold in the interim or found some new stream of income. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.