HelpAge International and the World Health Organisation have published new guidelines for humanitarian actors working with older people in emergencies.

Humanitarian Action and Older Persons: An essential brief for humanitarian actors was developed at the request of the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC), which coordinates humanitarian assistance provided by UN and non-UN agencies.

The guidelines aim to:

• share best practice and lessons learned by agencies,
• identify gaps in current humanitarian response, and
• provide concrete and practical guidance to the IASC.

Contributors included the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, UNICEF, the UN High Commission for Refugees, USAID and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Older people disproportionately affected

Evidence shows that older people are disproportionately affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. 80% of the “extremely vulnerable individuals” remaining in camps in Northern Uganda’s Lira District in 2007 were over 60 years of age. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, 71% of those who died were 60 years and older.

Older people can also play a key role in families and communities, but their ability to contribute to the reconstruction and rehabilitation process often goes unrecognised.

In a rapidly ageing world, responding effectively to older people’s needs in emergencies has never been more vital. By 2050, 80% of the world’s older people will live in developing countries, which as a result of climate change are becoming ever more prone to crises and natural disasters.

The guidelines look in detail at how older people are affected in emergencies.

Health

Health conditions which older people typically experience such as decreased mobility, sight, hearing and muscle strength, are significantly compounded in emergencies.

Similarly, chronic diseases common to old age such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes can worsen without regular assessment and medication. These essential healthcare services are often disrupted when emergencies strike.

Social and psychological support

In situations where family members have died, older people can be left behind without support. Where families are struggling to survive, they may be forced to neglect or abandon older relatives. In both instances, older people’s safety and psychological well-being are significantly affected.

Protection

Poverty affecting 80% of older people in developing countries often means they have unsafe housing in high-risk areas, and are unable to relocate. They can also be more vulnerable to violence, theft and abandonment when resources are limited.

Livelihoods

Older people are commonly excluded from income-generating activities, food-for-work programmes and micro-credit, despite their capabilities. Food- or cash-for work programmes in Pakistan and Northern Uganda involve heavy labour unsuitable for older people.

The guidelines also highlight the importance of disaggregating humanitarian needs assessment data by age in order that the specific needs of older people are recognised and included in emergency response.

They also present a detailed breakdown of minimal humanitarian requirements for each UN cluster area regarding older people. These include:

• providing age appropriate food, sanitation services and healthcare
• involving older people in decision-making processes, and
• implementing livelihood programmes which target older people.