By 2050, over two billion people worldwide will be aged over 60.
However, many societies still shun and discriminate against older people, leaving them unable to support themselves or act as valued members of the community. HelpAge Canada aims to achieve a world where we are all recognised and respected as individuals, embraced equally, and treated fairly and without discrimination, regardless of age.
4 out of 5
Older people do not have
a pension or income support.
45+ Years
HelpAge Canada has worked with community partners around the world for 45+ years
As a founding member of the HelpAge International, we work with organizations around the world to respond to crises that disproportionately affect older adults. From providing food and shelter to basic medical attention, we support older people where the need is the greatest.
We know that older adults are essential members of society, and we are committed to improving their universal inclusion and representation by taking part in an international movement for change as a member of the HelpAge Global Network.
Current Global Response Initiatives
Current humanitarian efforts struggle to reach older people in crisis, so we work closely with dedicated local partners in Ethiopia, Ukraine, and Pakistan to provide medical attention, healthcare awareness campaigns, food supplies, hygiene kits, temporary shelters, and other interventions that respond to older people’s most pressing needs.
According to the Global Humanitarian Overview, an estimated 274 million people needed humanitarian assistance and protection in 2022.
Ukraine
Actively addressing the “oldest humanitarian crisis” in the world
HelpAge Canada delivers humanitarian relief to thousands of older Ukrainians and their families with our partner, HelpAge International.
Since 2014, HelpAge International has been supporting older people in Eastern Ukraine, supplying:
- Food
- Hygiene items
- Assistive products
- Home-based care
- Psychosocial support services
2.5 Million
Older Ukrainians are estimated to be in need of humanitarian relief since the full-scale escalation of the war in Ukraine
$5M
In humanitarian relief reached 7,700 older Ukrainians and their families fleeing war zones in 2021-22
A Rapid Needs Assessment conducted by HelpAge in the oblasts of Lvivska, Chernivetska and Dnipropetrovska, provides insights into the heightened and specific challenges faced by older people in the regions:
89% of the displaced older people had at least one health condition, with seven out of ten stating that they had more than one.
STORIES FROM UKRAINE
With special thanks to our partners
HelpAge Canada is proud to partner with Global Affairs Canada, The Canada Ukraine Foundation, Islamic Relief Canada and the Humanitarian Coalition, PWRDF and generous Canadians from coast to coast to provide essential services to older people in Ukraine.
Ethiopia
Addressing health, nutrition, protection, and inclusion issues in Ethiopia
In Gambella, a region in southeastern Ethiopia, 381,660 refugees from South Sudan are sheltered across seven camps. Among this large population of refugees, 83% of Gambella’s population over the age of 60 has specific needs. In January 2020, HelpAge conducted a Rapid Needs Assessment in Gambella, which highlighted key concerns: older people with specific needs in Ethiopia have very limited access to food, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation.
23.6%
Of the population aged 60 and over in Ethiopia live below the poverty line
92.2%
Of the population in the Gambella region of Ethiopia are South Sudanese refugees
Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State is one of the 10 regional states in Ethiopia, located in the western part of the country bordering Amhara Region in the north, Oromia Region in the north-east, Gambella region in the south and south-east, and Sudan in the west. The socio-economic impact of regional conflict in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in the region, particularly for people that were already at risk or marginalized. HelpAge Canada partners with Global Affairs Canada to increase the well-being and dignity of older persons and other individuals with disabilities in Gambella. We provide a tailored, integrated response to address the region’s health, nutrition, protection, and inclusion needs.
Gaza
Responding to a major humanitarian crisis
Though they make up only 5% of the population, older Gazans have been especially devastated by the effects of treatment deprivation, starvation, and upheaval from their homes as conflict continues in the area.
According to Euro-Med Monitor, an independent, nonprofit organization for the protection of human rights, nearly 1 in 10 people killed in Gaza so far have been older people.
HelpAge Canada is appealing to Canadians to support older people facing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Humanitarian aid to the region has been severely restricted, and we must act now to reach vulnerable older adults.
Lebanon
Offering critical support to displaced older adults and their families
Nearly 180,000 people fleeing conflict are now living in temporary shelters across Lebanon, many of which do not have basic supplies and proper facilities for cooking and hygiene. The situation is especially dire for older people, and support now is invaluable in helping to address urgent needs.
According to a Rapid Needs Assessment conducted by IDRAAC in 2024, 74% of displaced older adults in Lebanon have two or more chronic health conditions.
HelpAge Canada is working with local partners like the Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), a member of the HelpAge Global Network, to identify those most in need of aid and respond quickly to ensure older people in crisis receive adequate care and support.
Collaborating to meet global needs
HelpAge Canada became a HelpAge Global Network member in 2004, joining 158 members across 86 countries. The HelpAge Global Network ensures older adults can not only survive, but thrive, and our valuable local partners inform HelpAge Canada on the most pressing barriers and emergencies, so we can respond quickly to older people in need.
According to HelpAge International, the proportion of the population aged 50 and over in fragile countries, where conflict and disasters are more likely to occur, is expected to rise from 12.3% (219.9 million) in 2020 to 19.2% (586.3 million) in 2050
Support Us
We appreciate the support of our generous donors in helping us create a world in which all older persons lead secure, healthy, active and dignified lives.