<prompt> Human: How do these seniors survive? Are they relegated thanks uBelaBartok42 to living off scraps and begging? I was just thinking, if I somehow lost my retirement income, whether due to poor planning, or to circumstances beyond my control, what would I do?  <response>: Usually if they have a mailing address, the impoverished elderly have a number of government assistance programs that allow them to subsist with a pretty poor lifestyle. Things like social security, section 8 housing, food stamps, and medicare are essential. A lot also receive community or family assistance.And of course, a number do end up homeless. 