Margaret Chilcott (pictured right), 62, is an Emergency Programme Coordinator for HelpAge International: "Why, at 62, am I still in humanitarian aid work? I guess the simple answer is that I can. "I am still active, can keep up...

Why, at 62, I am still in humanitarian aid work

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Margaret Chilcott

 _146_https://www.helpage.org/silo/images/blogs/10_1282223835.jpgMargaret Chilcott (pictured right), 62, is an Emergency Programme Coordinator for HelpAge International:

“Why, at 62, am I still in humanitarian aid work? I guess the simple answer is that I can.

“I am still active, can keep up with the pace and am still learning every time I go to another country. There are many advantages in being an older humanitarian aid worker.

“After nearly 20 years in this work with various non-government organisations, working in communities with all age groups, I find my age brings experiences which help me to empathise with others joys and sorrows, such as losing a child.  Age also unlocks doors to people in cultures where women are not necessarily held in high regard.

“As I have got older I have learnt to be more patient and to pace myself, recognising the signs my body gives out under stress and pressure. I have many years of experience that I can share to enable others to believe that no matter what their age, they still have much to bring to their own community.  I have many years of work in me still and hopefully in another 10 years I will still be as active.”

Read the full story on World Humanitarian Day