As part of the HelpAge Global Network, HelpAge USA advances the wellbeing and inclusion of older people around the world. We work with the news media to provide background, expert interviews, and other information and to ensure that the voices, stories, and contributions of older people are recognized and heard.
HelpAge’s new study exposes the depth of the global neglect of older people. For years, the world has pledged to “leave no one behind.” Yet when the data is examined, the gap between words and action is staggering. The findings are stark: in humanitarian funding databases, only 0.1% of project titles mention older people, and
When disaster strikes, older people are often among the hardest hit. Social isolation and inaccessible services can make it difficult for them to secure food, water, medical care, and safe shelter in the ways that other people can. In Myanmar, the recent earthquake highlighted these challenges, leaving thousands of older people facing urgent and life-threatening
In recent days, northern Pakistan has been hit by devastating floods that have killed more than 340 people and displaced at least 160,000. Homes, livelihoods, and health care services have been destroyed, leaving communities struggling to survive. For older people, the situation is particularly dangerous. Many older Pakistanis are stranded, unable to walk to safety or
The world’s oldest humanitarian crisis: Millions of older Ukrainians continue to suffer after three years of war After more than three years of conflict, millions of older Ukrainians are facing a deepening crisis, according to a new HelpAge report released today. Older people make up one quarter of the country’s population but accounted for half
WASHINGTON, DC — A new evaluation of Friendship Bench DC—an official adaptation of the Friendship Bench model developed in Zimbabwe and led by HelpAge USA—reveals that community-based, culturally grounded emotional support can lead to measurable improvements in mental health and help rebuild trust in care among those historically underserved or overlooked by traditional systems. The evaluation, conducted
New research finds Age Inclusion Specialists catalyze a more inclusive and participatory humanitarian system Washington, D.C. (June 3, 2025) — HelpAge USA, in partnership with HelpAge International, today released a new report documenting an innovative initiative to advance the inclusion of older people during humanitarian crises. Older people are among those most at risk in armed
