The fantastic campaigning efforts of older people across Eastern Europe and Central Asia has led to real change over the past two years! Older people take action Hundreds of older people have joined forces each year on 1 October...

Older people in Central Asia and Eastern Europe push for change

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Aisuluu Kamchybekova

 _31_https://www.helpage.org/silo/images/blogs/76_1284039698.jpgThe fantastic campaigning efforts of older people across Eastern Europe and Central Asia has led to real change over the past two years!

Older people take action

Hundreds of older people have joined forces each year on 1 October to raise awareness of older people’s issues.

They have spoken up to tell both their governments and the public that they can contribute a huge amount to society and should not be ignored.

National governments listened

Older people in Kyrgyzstan celebrated last year when the government promised to increase pensions for older people. And campaigners in Serbia were able to push for changes to a draft law on social protection increasing the amount of welfare assistance by 20% for older people unable to work.

These changes will make a real difference to the lives of people in the region and so well done and thank you to the amazing campaigners who helped to make this happen.

Yet, despite these successes, older people continue to be discriminated against and seen as a burden. Thousands of older people are living in poverty without adequate support from their governments.

And that’s why Age Demands Action will be even bigger this year, with more countries taking part and more noise being made! Come back soon to see updates on this year’s plans.

You can help by signing our ADA global petition against age discrimination.