HelpAge USA

A round of applause for HelpAge’s own Carole Osero-Ageng'o, who was part of this important panel at the launch of The World Bank’s new report, Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity. Using examples from HelpAge’s work, she highlighted the critical role of community-based organizations in supporting the dignity and well-being of older people and the importance of thinking across the life course. As the global population ages, it's clear that healthy longevity impacts all of us. We must work together to build a future where everyone can thrive through all phases of life!

Such an important example of the often overlooked contributions older people make, including in the midst of crises. Although older people can be disproportionately impacted by conflict-related abuses and face significant barriers to access humanitarian assistance, they are also frequently, crucially supporting others to survive and thrive. Programs across all sectors, including #ChildProtection, can save lives and reduce suffering by including #OlderPeople. HelpAge USA HelpAge International

🌍 On Sept. 8, 2023, a devastating earthquake shook central Morocco, claiming lives and displacing thousands. In the Atlas Mountains, older people were hit particularly hard, especially as winter set in. With support from HelpAge International, Action For Humanity - International stepped in to help 725 families in Al Haouz, providing critical winter relief to those in need—especially older adults, who are among the most at-risk in any crisis. One year later, the challenges remain. Older people in Morocco are still working to restore their lives, and the road to recovery is long. Watch this short video to see how your support is making a difference in their journey to heal and rebuild.

We joined our partners at HelpAge USA as they celebrated their DC grandparents and the one-year anniversary of their first Friendship Bench for Mental Health and the Friendship Bench DC program! These amazing Friendship Benches, led by adults aged 60+ in Washington, DC are a powerful movement promoting mental health through peer-to-peer and intergenerational conversations and interventions. Their goal is to provide accessible mental health support to community members of all ages, guided by the wisdom and care of trusted older adults. We were thrilled to meet the HelpAge USA team and these inspiring grandparents making a real difference in our community. #olderadults #WashingtonDc #HelpAge #FriendshipBench #GrandparentsDay #FriendshipBenchZimbabwe #mentalhealthawareness

Yesterday, we celebrated our incredible Friendship Bench DC Grandparents with a reception in honor of #GrandparentsDay and the one-year anniversary of their first Friendship Bench Zimbabwe training. These inspiring Grandparents are the ❤️ of our Friendship Bench DC program, offering a safe, non-judgmental space to support those in need and creating a legacy of love in our community. It was an evening filled with joy, reflection, and deep appreciation for the role these Grandparents play in fostering connection and resilience. Thank you to everyone who joined us! 🎉 🌟

🎉 Exciting news! HelpAge USA has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to expand our Friendship Bench DC program! This grant will help us continue supporting mental health and well-being in Washington, DC, by creating safe spaces for people of all ages to share their story with an older person they can trust. We are deeply inspired by the Friendship Bench Zimbabwe model and grateful for the opportunity to grow this vital community resource. Learn more about the grant and what it means for the future of mental health support in DC. 👇

Our recent report, "At home, even the walls help," sheds light on the #PalliativeCare needs, experiences, and hopes of #OlderPeople with serious illnesses in #Ukraine. In the face of conflict and uncertainty, older Ukrainians continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Yet, their need for compassionate care has never been more urgent. This report highlights the importance of providing support that respects their dignity and acknowledges their unique experiences. 📝 Read the full report and learn how you can help us ensure that older people receive the care they deserve.

Meet Elpina Muangura, 62, from Nairobi, Kenya. 🧶🌟 After losing her job as an office administrator, Elpina turned her passion for crafting into a small business, creating beautiful bags, bedding, mats, and more to support her family. Though the income is modest, she finds joy and purpose in her work, staying active and inspired by new ideas. Elpina joined the Older People's Association (OPA) at HelpAge International Global Network member Kibera Day Care Centre (KDCC) two years ago, where she found love, support, and a community that encourages her. Now, she dreams of opening a shop to showcase her crafts and attract more customers. Her message? "Older people shouldn’t give up on life. Hold on, love yourself, and remember—it’s not over yet!" #ActiveAging #OlderNotOver

Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day on August 24, marking two and a half years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. In recent days, the humanitarian crisis has only intensified. To understand what independence truly means today, we turned to those who have lived through the full arc of Ukraine’s modern history: its older people. Read more 👇

Aging poses unique challenges for women, both as they grow older and as they care for others. This article from Forbes highlights the critical issues that older women and their caregivers face, from financial insecurity to discrimination in healthcare. Read more about the challenges facing #OlderWomen and what we're doing to support them: https://lnkd.in/d_6xfPXj