Older people in emergencies

In crises, we offer support to older people who have been affected, and ensure that their interests are represented.

Lack of mobility and social isolation can prevent older people from accessing relief assistance - they may not be able to fight for aid packages, for example, or travel long distances to reach rescue camps.

'I have been pushed out and have fallen on the ground. I know I will get nothing this time round too. The fastest get the food, the strongest wins. Older people and the injured don’t get anything.'
Perumal, 75, Sri Lanka (after the tsunami)

Following the tsunami, our partner HelpAge India organised separate relief distributions for vulnerable people. Seating was provided and transport arranged to collection points.

Preparing for emergencies

We help communities to prepare for future emergencies in order to reduce risks to themselves and their communities. 

The 'disaster risk reduction' programmes support older people to take the initiative within their communities, from building up community food stores to advising on disaster relief management.

When disaster strikes, such communities are more resilient and can get back on their feet more quickly.

The Disasters Emergency Committee

Help the Aged is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an alliance of the UK's 13 leading aid charities.

Members of the DEC work together following a major crisis or emergency to:

• launch joint fundraising efforts in order to raise as much money as possible;
• ensure charities don’t double-up on their emergency relief work; and
• ensure charities don’t have to ‘compete’ with each other for funds.

Help the Aged encourages other members of the DEC to take the needs and capabilities of older people into account in their disaster relief programmes.

Case studies

Haiti earthquake
Find out how we are working through our partners in Haiti to ensure vital relief gets to vulnerable older people hit by Haiti's worst earthquake for 2 centuries.

Tsunami: from disaster to development
See how we have helped thousands of older people to rebuild their lives after the disaster.

Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Keep up to date with how we are helping displaced and vulnerable older people.

Myanmar cyclone
Read about our relief work following the devastating Cyclone Nargis in May 2008.

Bangladesh cyclone
Find out how older people were affected by Cyclone Sidr and read a blog by one of our relief workers in the area.

Crisis in Sudan
See how we are supporting older people who have been displaced by the humanitarian crisis.