Poverty relief

Many older people in developing countries cannot get pensions or decent jobs. 80% of older people in developing countries do not have a regular income. Less than 5% receive a pension.

Many developing countries do not have pensions so most older people have no choice but to take poorly paid, unsafe or irregular work to support themselves and their families.

Older people may find it difficult to get a job because of mobility problems or age discrimination. They may want to start their own small business, but be hampered by banks which refuse people credit because they consider them to be a bad risk.

Some developing countries do offer pensions. However, older people cannot always access them because they lack the documentation to prove their entitlement.

Livelihoods

Working with local partners and through HelpAge International, Age UK:

In many countries, such as Tanzania and Mozambique, we distribute goats to older people through Older People's Associations (OPAs). As the goat produces kids, the recipient must give the first one back to the OPA so someone else can benefit. The project is self-sustaining and expands over time to reach more older people.

Pensions

Through HelpAge International, we help older people and their dependants to access social assistance by getting ID cards which show their entitlement. We carry out research on the benefits of social pensions for older people and their families, and we campaign for social pensions to provide a vital safety net to keep older people out of poverty. We also help older people to access child support grants - where they exist - so they can financially support grandchildren in their care.

Pascall, 77, from Bolivia

Pascal was entitled to a State Pension but didn't have the relevant documents to prove his age and eligibility. We helped him get his identity documents and now he receives a pension. Pascal says: 'The pension allows us to pay off debts, help out in the house and pay for medicines'.