International

As they get older, many people, especially in the developing world, are left poor and isolated and do not have enough funds to sustain a decent life.

Three-fifths of the world’s older people live in developing countries. 100 million older people live on less than one dollar (60 pence) a day.  The United Nations estimates that by 2050, people aged 60 and over will outnumber people under 14 and 80% of these will be in the developing world.

While increased life expectancy should be seen as a positive achievement, most of the world's older people live in very poor circumstances and face a harsh future.

Many cannot afford or access healthcare in the developing world, particularly in rural areas. Few have access to state pensions and many older people must work until the day they die.

We are fighting to overcome these challenges for older people both now and in the future, and to increase independence in later life.

HelpAge International helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives.

Read more about HelpAge at www.helpage.org