U Saw Baw Mu Tu's Story
U Saw Baw Mu Tu, 80, is known to everyone in his local village in the Ayeyarwady region, Myanmar, as a steady, reassuring presence. For decades, he has been a community leader, but in recent years his role has taken on a deeper meaning. He is someone older residents depend on for support, encouragement, and connection.
“I feel proud to stand with older people.”
U Saw Baw Mu Tu in front of Phee Phaw Yay's house.
Photo credit: Khin Yadanar Toe / AGE Myanmar
Life in U Saw Baw Mu Tu’s village can feel uncertain at times. Seasonal changes bring their own challenges, and many families face pressures that make day‑to‑day life unpredictable. Yet through all of this, the community continues to look after one another thanks to Inclusive Self-Help Groups (ISHGs). These ISHGs are community-led groups run by older people, for older people. They provide opportunities for older people to access loans, receive medical check-ups as well as socialise and take part in local activities - helping them feel included, valued, and less isolated.
Every month, members of the ISHGs gather. They talk, share and check on older neighbours. Volunteers make home visits, network meetings continue, and the sense of community remains strong. For U Saw Baw Mu Tu, these routines matter deeply. “Even when life feels uncertain,” he says, “older people should not feel alone.”
Seeing lives change
One of the older people he visits regularly is Phee Phaw Yay, someone he has known for more than thirty years. He describes her as strong, hardworking, and determined – who has always done everything she could for her family.
Since Phee Phaw Yay joined the local ISHG, he has seen her confidence grow even further. The regular support she receives from the group has helped stabilise her daily life, allowing her to cover essentials like food and medicine, while continuing her daily household responsibilities. Her children support Phee Phaw Yay too, and together the family has found more security in difficult times.
“Her life is more stable now,” U Saw Baw Mu Tu says with warmth. “She stands on her own feet. That is what we want for every older person.”
A growing movement of support
When he looks back, U Saw Baw Mu Tu reflects on how much has changed in his township.
“Before, we had only two inclusive Self-Help Groups,” he recalls. “Now we have twenty-five villages with active groups.”
It’s a transformation he feels proud to have witnessed, one built through years of collaboration between Age International, AGE Myanmar and other local partners.
Older people receive financial help. Through the ISHGs, older people find financial stability. They also get regular visits and community support from U Saw Baw Mu Tu. This has brought people closer together, building trust at a time when unity is needed more than ever.
Around the world older people, like U Saw Baw Mu Tu face many challenges. Thanks to the support of the Grandparents United community, life can be more stable, more comfortable and safer for older people and their families.