According to the Family Resources Survey that was carried out during 2003-2004, pensioners' income has increased faster than average wage earners over the last eight years.
The Government study found that the average pensioners income rose by 21% in this period, while wage earners income only rose by 13%.
Women earned less money than men, receiving only 83% of a single male pensioners income. Single retired men earned £208 per week compared to a single female pension of £172 per week.
Of all pensioners' income, 51% came from state benefits including the state pension, while income from occupational pensions accounted for 27%, and investments accounted for 9%.
Our view
Surprising result this one. We are also extremely surprised that these figures have not been used it in the election campaign.