Bolivia
We work with national and local governments and older people's organisations to reduce poverty and ensure the fulfillment of older people human rights.
We run income-generating activities so older people can enjoy a more dignified life.
We improve older people's access to age-friendly health programmes and services.
We reduce older people's vulnerability to the effects of natural disasters and migration.
We promote more participation and leadership by older women.
Don Basilio helps his community through an older people's association.
Life story: Don Basilio, 71
HelpAge International works to build up older people's networks in Bolivia to fight for the rights of older people.
Don Basilio, 71, is president of an older people's association and says it has changed his life:
"When the OPA was founded, the organisers went door to door to include us in their list.
"Then they called a meeting and we all met at the main square. At first there were about 150 people, now there are 460. I was elected president.
"I share information on law benefits with older people so they will be awarded their rights. I went to the Electricity and Power Office to claim the 20% discount we are entitled to.
"We are working with the municipality to arrange identification documents so we can ensure healthcare for older people.
"Sometimes I travel to rural communities to try and help older people who are treated badly by their leaders. I tell them not to treat older people as young people. There are leaders who think that older people will always be active and able to work."
The difference we made in 2010-11
- More than 13,000 older people have joined the health insurance system in La Paz; this number represents 53% of the total adult population.
- We have just finished research in rural areas that shows an increasing number of older people are now effectively surrogate parents.
- We also recently completed a study of the labour situation of older people in La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, with CEDLA (Research on Labor and Agricultural Development Center). The study showed the number of older people still in work rose from 38.4% in 2001 to 44% in 2010.
- Our research into the situation of older human rights showed only 22.7% of older people have access to a contributory pension.
What next?
- We will start a programme to protect older people's social rights.
- We will work on getting programmes specifically for older people included in municipal plans.
- We will organise and train community groups of older people in disaster risk reduction.
Hear what older Bolivians have to say:
Our affiliates
Our partners
Viceministerio de Igualdad de Oportunidades, Fundación Beni, Centro de orientación Socio legal La Paze, Centro de orientación Socio legal Santa Cruz, Centro de orientación Socio legal Sucre, Gobierno Municipal de Sucre, Centro de orientación Socio legal Potosí, Gobierno Municipal de Potosí, FUNDEPCO, SUMAJ PUNCHAY, SEPADES, Comunidad Aymarás Urbanos de Pampajasi - CAUP - Awichas, ASDI
Our donors
ASDI, DFID, Age UK, IFKO, World Granny
