More than four years into the War in Ukraine, older people across the country are still dealing with displacement, reduced access to care, and ongoing uncertainty. For the 9 million Ukrainians aged 60+, these challenges have become part of daily life.
At HelpAge USA, our response is focused not only on meeting immediate needs but on supporting older Ukrainians in ways that can continue over time. This includes investing in Community Safe Spaces and advocacy initiative groups.
Community Safe Spaces
To date, more than 4,500 older people have benefitted from our Community Safe Spaces. Set up in local community centers and similar locations, HelpAge Community Safe Spaces provide a consistent point of connection for older people who are displaced from their homes or facing isolation in frontline areas.
They offer psychosocial support, group discussions, creative workshops, and physical activities like aerobics. Over time, these spaces have become part of daily life, and, for many, have begun to feel like a second home.
In the town of Kolomyia, in Southwestern Ukraine, home to many displaced people, some participants have taken on roles within the spaces themselves. Natalia (75), from the Donetsk region, now works as a social worker. Tamara (76), a former choir director, leads musical activities. What began as participation has developed into ongoing involvement that provides structure and a sense of purpose.
Initiative Groups
Within these spaces, older people have formed and lead grassroots advocacy initiative groups. They identify local needs and work to address them in practical ways.
In the western Ukrainian towns of Stryi and Sheptytskyi, for example, initiative groups have helped improve accessibility by installing ramps in public buildings and creating inclusive outdoor spaces with seating and exercise equipment. They are also working to sustain this progress by building relationships with local authorities and identifying opportunities for local partnerships.
By supporting Community Safe Spaces and initiative groups, HelpAge USA creates sustainable, community-led support systems that extend beyond temporary assistance.
Direct Support
Alongside this work, direct support remains essential.
Since February 2022, more than 252,000 people have received assistance through HelpAge and its partners, including home-based support servicescare, hygiene kits, assistive devices, winter support, and cash assistance.
For people like Serhii, a 68-year-old displaced from the Donetsk region, regular visits from a social worker provide a consistent point of support as he manages both health challenges conditions and ongoing stress.
Looking Ahead
Amid the ongoing conflict, the key priority is ensuring steady, reliable support for older Ukrainians—both now and in the future.
Community Safe Spaces and initiative groups help create that continuity by providing stable places, relationships, and structures that people can rely on.
Alongside direct support, they help ensure that older people are not navigating these challenges alone.