Ukraine: One Year of War

As we mark one year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we look back on the impact this war has had on older people across the country. Twenty-four percent of people in Ukraine are age 60 or older, making this the world’s oldest humanitarian crisis.

New Report:"I've Lost the Life I Knew"

Our new report, “I’ve Lost the Life I Knew,” highlights the critical neglect of older people during the war in Ukraine. As the first nationally representative poll of older Ukrainians during the war, our research reveals how older people have fared worse financially and faced increased barriers to accessing basic services.

It also documents the disproportionate hardships for people over the age of 70 compared to those in their sixties, as well as the increased risk that older women experience.

"I live with my sister and my husband, both 73. He has had two strokes. ... My sister has acute osteoarthritis. I have problems with my spine as well, so I’m in constant pain. The list of medications we need is long. We cannot afford most of it.”

"These medicines cost more than half of my pension. I used to do some part-time work cleaning offices. But now my health doesn't allow me to do that anymore. Besides, most organizations have left because of the war. I don't have enough money for both food and medicines. This is what I spend my pension on.”

“I cannot bend my knee. Doctors say I need surgery, which costs 5,000 USD. I don't have that kind of money. I'm also afraid of such an operation. My pension of 6,000UAH (135GBP) barely covers daily expenses and utilities."

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of older women say they do not have enough money to cover their basic needs, compared to 46% in men.

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People aged 70+ had more barriers to food and medicine and were ~2.5 times more likely to live alone than those in their 60’s.

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of people over 70 reported that food was very or mostly difficult to access, compared to 2.25% of people aged 60-69.

"The Light in the Darkness"

Our film “The Light in the Darkness,” made by a team of young Ukrainian filmmakers, looks at the impact of the war on older Ukrainians and how they continue to play a major role in helping others.