IT was just a little bit irritating to watch a recent TV interview where “pensioners”, ie older people, were referred to repeatedly as being a “financial burden”.

Apparently many enjoy large pensions, continue to work, and own their own homes.

Far from being a burden on younger people, many pensioners who are parents subsidise their children.

Nothing was said about the fact that most working people who now enjoy pensions paid significant amounts into both state and occupational pensions.

Those who now own their own homes, bought them with hard-earned money and it should be remembered that mortgage rates years ago were significantly higher than currently, at times as much as 15 per cent.

Young people didn’t expect to be able to buy a home with all mod cons. They settled for what they could afford.

Few had fitted carpets, a square of carpet surrounded by (hopefully) matching lino was common, and furniture etc was donated by family members.

Owning a washing machine or a fridge was a cause for great celebration. Expectations were very different.

Today’s pensioners lived through the privation of the post war years, coping with shortages and rationing.

Do we really think they should be forced back into poverty?

Pamela Brown, Goodwood Grove, York