War in Ukraine: Ongoing toll on older people

Alison Marshall, CEO of Age International, returns from a visit to Ukraine - a country which has seen such devastation over the 10 years of war. 

Following meetings in Kyiv and Lviv, she reflects on the profound impact of the conflict on Ukraine's older people, and the inspiring efforts being made to support them: 

"During my brief visit, there were constant air raid alerts. The stress and strain on older people was evident. But Ukrainians are determined and show enormous resilience. Older people have lived with insecurity for years. 

I met Dmytro and Mariia, both over 70, who fled their family homes in southeast Ukraine and now live in shared rooms in a communal accommodation block. 

When I asked about her future, Mariia joked 'what do you mean, what's next? I'm nearly 85?!' With a twinkle in her eye, she says she wants to go back to being 30 years old, while keeping all the knowledge and experience she has gained."

Ukraine has the largest percentage of older people affected by conflict in a single country in the world. One quarter of the country’s population is over the age of 60, while in eastern Ukraine, one in three of those needing assistance since the Russian invasion in 2014, has been over 60.¹

Age International, in partnership with HelpAge International Ukraine, has been supporting older individuals across the country with lifesaving cash, food, social support and health care. Through the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal, launched in 2022, Age International has supported over 130,000 people. 

Dmytro*, aged 74, initially fled to Poland but has since returned to Ukraine. He has received support with a winter kit including pillow, blanket, bedding and cash assistance.  Although his family is far away, Dmytro calls them daily to check on their safety. His deepest wish is to return home and be with his loved ones. 

Photo: Dmytro (left) and support worker Ivan*. 

Mariia*, aged 84, fled to Lviv three years ago.  In the accommodation block she has a room on the second floor, which is a struggle as she has two artificial knee joints, which makes it hard to climb the stairs to her room.

She values her support worker’s visits. "I spend a lot of time alone. Ivan helps me a lot, he calls me regularly. Since I spend a lot of time alone, this care means a lot," she says. 

Victoriia Panchenko, Head of Programmes at HelpAge International Ukraine, reflects:  

“Sadly, the stories of Dmytro and Mariia are all too common. Many older people have been forced to move repeatedly – from their homes to transit centres, then to collective shelters, and often again after that. There is no stability. 

Life is even harder for older people living near the front line. The Government is struggling to fund social support for older people, so charities play a vital role, working with local authorities to ensure quality care.” 

With the support of Age International's generous donors, over the last 18 months Age International has reached thousands of older people in Ukraine. But with the future continuing to be uncertain for older people, Alison Marshall concludes:  

“I call on international donors to continue to prioritise the needs of older people in Ukraine, both now as the war continues, and afterwards – so that the country can build back better, based on older people’s needs and rights.”   

To find out more about the impact of the war on older people in Ukraine - https://www.helpage.org/news/addressing-isolation-and-mobility-for-older-people-in-ukraine/ 

*names changed to protect identities 

¹ Source: https://www.helpage.org/news/older-people-in-ukraine-one-year-of-endurance/