Blogs

Take a stand against ageism on 1 October

On 1 October, the International Day for Older Persons, campaigners around the world will be taking a stand against ageism. Older people have told us of the ageist attitudes and behaviour they face on a daily basis. They tell...

The Pakistani cobbler showing entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t age

Many older men and women in Pakistan lead difficult lives, struggling to bring in a regular income and getting little financial support from the government. Only 6% of adult workers are covered by social protection, typically government workers. The...

10 tips for setting up and running a successful age network

Since 2013, HelpAge International has been involved in the development of age networks in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Together, they are part of the Southern Africa Regional Age Network. Along the way, many lessons ha

5 reasons why HelpAge’s Typhoon Haiyan response was a success

On 8 November 2013, the strongest cyclone to ever have been recorded hit the Philippines, with winds of around 150mph. It caused widespread devastation and destruction, and killed at least 6,300 people. Typhoon Haiyan, or Typhoon Yolanda as it is...

10 ways Habitat III can protect and promote our rights in older age

This October, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, otherwise known as Habitat III, will be held in Quito, Ecuador. It has been called to bolster commitments to the sustainable development of urban environments and

Together we can end elder abuse

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was marked on 15 June and the slogan "together we can end elder abuse" was used by campaigners in Tanzania. A fitting slogan given that around the world older people campaigned together to raise...

Drought-stricken Ethiopia needs an inclusive emergency response

Beginning last year, Ethiopia has been facing alarming food insecurity instigated by the impact of El Ni o. Across the country, drought has impacted the lives of countless communities, leaving them in dire need of immediate emergency relief. An estimat