The global population is ageing, but very few countries have health systems that can cope with the challenges that come with old age.
Awareness of older people’s health needs is limited, and many healthcare professionals lack the training and resources to meet them. Even when services exist, they are often inaccessible or unaffordable due to cost, mobility challenges, or both.
As a result, older people around the world are living with, and dying from, painful and debilitating but treatable health problems. These challenges can make it harder to earn a living and support their families, often leading to increased isolation and loneliness.
Donate today so older people living in poverty can get the healthcare they need
Thanks to your donation, more older people will have access to age-appropriate healthcare, supported by systems that respond to their needs, allowing them to live with better health and with more dignity.
You are helping us to:
- Put healthcare at the heart of communities through mobile health units, Older People’s Associations and home-based care
- Train healthcare professionals to support and meet older people’s specific health needs
- Provide assistive devices like wheelchairs or mobility aids for older people requiring extra support
Your donation could help older people like Elemtu, 74, pictured above, who lives in the Oromia region of Ethiopia.
She used to work on a farm and help her son with housework but three years ago she started suffering from headaches and dizziness, telling her family that her sight was becoming blurry.
One day everything went dark and Elemtu could no longer see. She lost her independence and relied on her grandchildren for everything.
Thanks to the support of people like you, Elemtu was able to access an eye care outreach programme – funded by Age International – where she was diagnosed with cataracts and given the urgent surgery she needed. Today, her sight is restored, giving her back the independence she had lost. She shares:
“I can see. I cannot believe this was ever possible. Now, I can once again go to the farm and help my son and grandchildren. I am overjoyed. I can see.”
By giving regularly, you will help rewrite the stories of people like Elemtu. Month after month, you will know your generosity is giving support, care and the chance to live with independence to older people across the world.
About Age International
We help older people around the world live better lives. We are part of Age UK, and we are the UK member of HelpAge International, a global network which supports older people across the world.
Our vision is a world where older people the world over are respected and valued, their voices are heard, their contributions recognised, their basic needs are met, and their human rights realised.
Get in touch
If you would prefer to donate by telephone, call our friendly helpline on 0800 032 0699. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop us a line contact@ageinternational.org.uk.
Age International works with local partners around the world to help fund a range of programmes for older people. Our work focuses on healthcare, secure incomes, humanitarian support and protecting rights for older people. Your gift will support Age International’s work worldwide where the need is greatest. Donation examples are representative of the assistance that older people could receive.
