About 65 percent of seniors in Kyrgyzstan live below poverty line, Galina Khmeleva, chair person for the Social Security Union told reporters in Bishkek, Monday.

Today, average retirement payment sums up to 2,120 soms per month. “In 2009 the payments have been raised twice, but it did not solve the issue of poverty. High inflation and general price growth ate all of our raise away,” the chair person said.

Costs for basic commodities continue to grow, making potato unallowable delicacy for seniors. “We ask the government to raise payments up to the minimum subsistence level. We deserve a better life,” she said.