Pensions Against Loneliness (PAL)
What does it really mean to prepare for a good later life?
We spend a lot of time preparing financially for retirement. But what about getting ready for the life we’ll lead alongside it?
Who will we spend time with? What will give us purpose? How will we stay connected?
Pensions Against Loneliness (PAL) is a proactive, cross-industry initiative, powered by UK loneliness charity Re-engage. It brings together organisations from across the pensions sector, to help tackle and prevent loneliness in later life.
Understanding loneliness in later life
Loneliness is one of the most significant and under-recognised risks to health and wellbeing in later life.
It is complex and can be shaped by many different circumstances, including life transitions, health, bereavement, living arrangements and opportunities to take part in social and community life.
As the charity powering PAL, Re-engage brings decades of experience and expertise in understanding and tackling loneliness among people aged 75 and over.
Re-engage brings decades of expertise in loneliness in later life. Our research and insight help us understand the circumstances that can contribute to loneliness, and the importance of social connection, participation and belonging as people age.
The prevalence of loneliness in older people
Explore our research and maps showing the prevalence of loneliness and isolation among older people, and the factors that can contribute.
Joining in, not getting out
Our insight into older men explores participation, engagement and the things that can help older people build and maintain social connections.
Older people and civic participation
Hear from older people about having a say, taking part in their communities and the importance of feeling involved and valued.
Why does this matter to pensions?
Living well in later life is about more than what's in someone's pension pot. Meaningful human connection matters too.
The pensions industry supports millions of people in planning for later life. It has the reach, relationships and influence to help people stay connected before and beyond retirement.
We also know that life doesn't always follow the plans we make.
We talk about the four drivers of vulnerability in financial services: life events, health, resilience and capability. Loneliness isn't a fifth driver, but it can intersect with and compound these drivers, making challenges harder to navigate and potentially affecting the outcomes people experience.
The Consumer Duty has placed greater focus on understanding customers in vulnerable circumstances and supporting them to achieve good outcomes.
What role could the pensions industry play in helping people to stay connected in later life?
Become a PAL Partner
We are engaging with organisations across the pensions industry, including pension providers, trustees, employers and advisers, who are interested in helping to address loneliness in later life.
Whether through your people, your networks or your influence, there are a number of ways your organisation can play a meaningful role and we’d love to tell you more about what being a Pensions Against Loneliness (PAL) Partner could look like for your organisation.
If this has sparked your interest, fill in this short form, and we’ll be in touch.