Seems like a made up problem without a real world example.  In Canada, seniors benefit from CPP, OAS and GIS if they need it.  That doubles up for couples.  They don't pay for medications or primary healthcare.  Additionally many seniors who own homes are sitting on little pots of gold where if needed property tax subsidies and other benefits are helping them out.  Canada's seniors are among the best taken care of in the world. If they need help with a cable bill, ask them to get an antenna.