(Columbia Falls, Mt)- Inflation is impacting more than just families. It is especially affecting the elderly.
According to a recent NPR article, many elderly people living on fixed income are struggling to make ends meet. In a certain instance a Montana couple was forced out of their home when the rent was raised. When the value of the dollar diminishes, but fixed income for those in retirement stays the same often bills can’t be paid.
According to data from a research firm, CoStar, since 2019 Lewis and Clark County for example has seen rental cost rise by 37 percent, and according to a recent survey Montana is home to one of the oldest populations in the country.
Programs director Lisa Sirois said, “at the Poverello Center in Missoula, Montana, people in their 60 have become the second largest age group served by the shelter.”
Many advocate groups are proposing solutions, and Governor Gianforte is proposing policies to incentives building cheaper housing options, regardless change needs to happen quickly for those struggling on fixed incomes.
