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 conditions.
At HelpAge, we have been working with our global network partner, AGE Myanmar, to meet this challenge and ensure that older people are getting the resources and assistance that everyone deserves.
Responding to Urgent Needs
With support from GlobalGiving’s Myanmar and Thailand Earthquake Relief Fund, HelpAge USA received a $20,000 grant to partner with AGE Myanmar to deliver response and recovery efforts that prioritize older people’s resilience and autonomy.
Reflecting HelpAge’s locally led, community-focused approach, AGE Myanmar will use this funding to provide older people with:
- Assistive devices, including walkers, canes, wheelchairs and eyeglasses
- Trauma-informed individual and group mental health services
- Peer-to-peer mental health support
- Mobile health clinic services and screenings and links to healthcare providers
These interventions will support older people to get back on their feet and continue to make important contributions to their families and communities.
AGE Myanmar will also contribute to equity and access for older people through:
- “Ageing and Ageism Awareness” training for government officials to influence equitable policy-making and implementation, including emergency preparedness and response
- Training for professionals and staff who provide services to older people on human rights, respectful communication, and accessible and inclusive service delivery
The Voices of Older People Count
Even in crisis, older people are not just victims—they are caregivers, providers, and pillars of their communities. We are ensuring that older people’s voices are included in planning longer-term recovery, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and create stronger, more resilient communities. This includes advocacy with key stakeholders and government officials.
Thanks to the support of GlobalGiving and our generous donors, HelpAge is helping older people access the support they need while ensuring their voices are included and their needs are heard.