Pensioners in Kazakhstan most often face financial constraints when buying furniture, paying for unexpected expenses, going on holiday, and other spending that does not count as basic needs. This is according to the results of a sample survey on the quality of life of the population for 2026.
WHAT CONSTRAINTS THE STUDY REVEALED
According to Ranking.kz, basic needs remain affordable for the majority of elderly respondents. 96.9% of those surveyed can pay for and maintain heating in their homes, and 94.9% can provide themselves with a hot meal containing meat, fish, chicken, or an equivalent vegetarian option at least once every two days.
At the same time, 5.1% of pensioners cannot afford such food, which amounts to more than 129,000 people. Constraints are more noticeable when buying furniture: 21.6% of respondents do not have the means to purchase a bed, table, or armchair. In the overall group of those surveyed, this figure stands at 18.2%.
Around one in ten elderly study participants lack the money for two suitable pairs of shoes for the season, and 3.6% cannot replace worn-out clothing and footwear.
WHICH EXPENSES REMAIN A PROBLEM
One of the most noticeable constraints was the ability to cope with unplanned expenses. 21% of elderly respondents said they cannot cover even small unexpected costs of around 30,000–40,000 tenge without taking out a loan or seeking external help.
These constraints apply not only to essential spending. 30.4% of respondents cannot afford a week-long holiday away from home, and 11.9% cannot afford to visit the cinema, concerts, or sporting events.
A shared meal with friends or family at least once a month is affordable for 80.4% of respondents. A further 6.3% attribute their inability to attend such gatherings to a lack of money.
HOW PENSIONERS ASSESS THE INCOME THEY NEED
According to the study, 75.8% of women over 61 and men over 63 included in the sample consider themselves to be adequately provided for at an average level. A further 18.4% class themselves as somewhat above average, while 2% consider themselves low-income.
At the same time, perceptions of a sufficient income are noticeably higher than the actual average pension payout. Only 23.8% of respondents consider an income of less than 260,000 tenge per family member to be sufficient. The most common answer was 260,000–320,000 tenge: this range was cited by 34.3% of pensioners.
A further 14% consider an income of between 320,000 and 400,000 tenge sufficient, while 14.3% said 400,000–500,000 tenge. According to data cited in the study from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, the average combined solidarity and basic pension as of 1 February 2026 stood at 157,800 tenge. The basic payment for those without the required length of service to qualify for the solidarity pension was 53,900 tenge, plus pension savings.
LIFE SATISFACTION REMAINS HIGH
Despite the constraints recorded, the average life satisfaction score among elderly respondents was 7.5 out of 10.
They rated their living conditions on average at 7.6 points, and the quality of their housing also at 7.6 points. The lowest scores were given to their own state of health — 6.7 points — and the ability to improve their housing conditions independently — 5.6 points.
At the same time, the availability of free time and confidence in moral support each scored 8 points.
Overall dissatisfaction with life was recorded among 0.4% of respondents, with the economic situation of their family among 0.6%, and with their own health among 4.6%. Regarding the ability to purchase housing or improve their living conditions independently, 16.5% were satisfied, 33.5% were partially satisfied, and 18.5% expressed dissatisfaction.
Certain constraints relate to the surrounding environment: 10.4% of elderly respondents are dissatisfied with the quality of drinking water, and 8.1% with air quality.
