Geetha

Geetha Thambiraj, 61, was at home with her two grandchildren when the wave struck the coast. In the chaos that followed, Geetha had an agonising wait for news of her husband, Desingh. Thankfully the family was reunited later that day: Desingh had escaped injury, but his boat was ruined beyond repair.

Geetha joined Help the Aged as a community worker, and established an Elder Self Help Group. She has lobbied banks to enable older people to open bank accounts and participate in small credit schemes.

Geetha has been able to support her own family and strengthen her community

With your support, Geetha has been able to support her own family, strengthen her community and play a key role in the rehabilitation of lives and livelihoods.

Fatima and Yusef

The tsunami destroyed everything Fatima and Yusef Mohammed owned. Yusef was injured, and temporarily lost his hearing and vision.
 
While her husband recovered from his injuries, Fatima earned a small amount of money repairing fishing nets and clothing. Last year she joined the local HelpAge India Self Help Group and started to save some of her earnings into the group bank account.

Yusef joined a co-operative of fishermen who share a boat provided by Help the Aged

Yusef joined a co-operative of fishermen who share a boat provided by donations from Help the Aged supporters. The daily catch is sold on to fish driers for market, and the income has helped the fishermen to get back on their feet.

Pakiyam

Rasaiya Pakiyam, 62, has suffered from chest pains and rheumatic pain for a long time, and was happy to benefit from the free medical camp established near her village by HelpAge Sri Lanka.

'I like to be in good health to be able to earn'

‘We are poor. I like to be in good health to be able to earn. The arrangement of the medical camp is excellent. We are provided with drinks and meals. Since taking the medicines, I no longer had the chest pains and felt stronger. I hope that I will be fully well soon so that I can earn.’

Hemawathi

Hemawathi, a 60-year-old widow, suffered from cataracts but couldn’t afford the operation needed to correct her sight. The nearest main hospital was a long bus journey away, and she didn’t seek help because she did not want to be a burden on her children.

Hemawathi visited the medical camp established by HelpAge Sri Lanka, where her condition was diagnosed and she received free medication. She was later brought to a HelpAge Eye Hospital for a cataract operation.

'Now that I can see better, I feel many years younger'

’I am very happy indeed with the way they treated us at the medical camp. There was a lot of respect for us older people,’ she said. ‘Now that I can see better, I feel many years younger. I have always assisted my daughter in her business in dry fish making and sweet making, but my poor vision limited the help I could give. Now I am able to assist her better.’

Padma

In Sri Lanka, pilgrimages are popular among people of all religions, especially older people. After the tsunami, we organised several trips to temples, which improved older people’s wellbeing, reduced loneliness, and helped them put their traumatic experiences behind them.

Padma is a 56 year old widow who was able to join a pilgrimage to Kataragama.

'I was treated and accepted as a sister by everyone'

‘It was my first time on a pilgrimage, although I have always wanted to go, and I am very happy for I was treated and accepted as a sister by everyone,’ she said. ‘I worshipped my god and I am happy that we were able to forget our differences and enjoy the day. We sang, danced and prayed together. I know I will always remember the experience.’