Ensure the Elderly Are Not Left Behind in Emergencies and Natural Disasters

Less than 1% of humanitarian aid targets older people, even though they have the highest fatality rate of any age group in disasters. More than 66% of those who perished in the 2011 Japan Tsunami were 60+ years of age. In Hurricane Katrina, older people made up more than 70% of deaths. Climate change is rapidly accelerating the incidence of disasters like these, putting older people at increased risk.

Older people are often unable to access humanitarian aid safely and with dignity. They may be separated from their families, which can lead to isolation and loneliness. They may have disabilities that cause additional physical and psychological distress. In disasters, older people face an even higher risk of being unable to access healthcare, and many are subject to discrimination and abuse.

HelpAge is the only international network that focuses specifically on older people’s needs in crises. Your support can help:

• Deliver immediate food, water, and hygiene kits.
• Bring healthcare services and medicine to older people who are homebound.
• Provide psychosocial support to older people traumatized by crises.
• Offer cash assistance to rebuild homes or purchase essential goods and services.
• Advocate for equitable treatment of older people in emergencies and disasters.

For example, in Haiti, we’re responding to the needs of older people following the devastating earthquake in August 2021. Saintyle Clairose, an 81-year-old woman, says “My house is destroyed, I have no drinking water, there is no water for laundry or washing. We remain vigilant, keeping an eye open as I think it can happen again at any time.”

We stand ready to deliver age-friendly emergency services in complex settings. Even after news coverage of a crisis fades, HelpAge continues to provide recovery services in the worst-affected communities, ensuring older people are included in income-generating programs and reconstruction efforts.

HelpAge USA champions the dignity and potential of older people around the world. We work with HelpAge Global Network partners in over 80 countries to provide disaster assistance. Facilitate health care. Help end discrimination and violence. Develop pathways to income security. And we conduct research and advocate for the inclusion of older people in policies and programs that typically overlook them.

All contributions will support HelpAge USA’s general purposes and special projects as HelpAge USA determines from time to time. HelpAge USA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (EIN/tax ID number: 271071179). Your donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.