Those seeking a job are now facing stiffer competition from the younger generation. This essay will suggest that the main problem this causes is higher poverty among older people and propose lowering the retirement age as a possible solution, followed by a reasoned conclusion. Increased competition from today’s youth has left many over 50s in poverty. If a young and old person apply for the same job, it is often the case that the younger individual will have more qualifications and may also be willing to work for less money, leaving many seniors without work and ‘left on the scrapheap’. For example, a recent survey showed that since the financial crisis in 2008, fuel and food poverty has increased by 82% amongst the aged. Despite this, many of the older generation own their own property and have large savings and therefore, are somewhat insulated from these troubles.