Age Demands Action calendar

Age Demands Action 2007: The start of something special

On 1 October 2007, HelpAge International launched Age Demands Action (ADA) in 27 countries - the first globally coordinated grassroots movement of older people campaigning against discrimination in old age.

In countries where all too often older people's rights are ignored and discrimination in older age is a daily reality, people of all ages started to raise their voice and say "Age Demands Action".

Even in its inaugural year, ADA campaigners in a number of countries achieved positive change for older people. In Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Zambia, for example, governments agreed to expand existing social pension schemes.

Age Demands Action 2008: Taking the grassroots movement global

In its second year, ADA reached new countries such as Argentina and the Netherlands and the global movement expanded from 26 to 35 countries.

Just one example of this is in the Philippines, where 1,500 older people marched in the street, calling for a Social Pensions Bill.

Real change to older people lives took place. In other parts of the world, Age Demands Action campaigners achieved great results. The monthly pension in Nepal was doubled and, in Kenya, the Ministry of Finance increased cash transfers and expanded the scheme in more districts.

Age Demands Action 2009: One around the world

From the hills of Ethiopia to India's Thar desert, Age Demands Action grew, reaching 42 countries with Haiti and Myanmar joining for the first time.

The movement gained more momentum with great successes for older people.

In Fiji, a delegation of ADA campaigners met several cabinet members. Days later, campaigners found out that the cabinet had approved the drafting of a new National Policy on Ageing.

In 2009 for the first time, campaigners everywhere showed their solidarity by raising their index finger at 1pm to demonstrate their support for Article 1 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights: All people are born free and equal in dignity and rights

Age Demands Action 2010: The year of results

Older people took action in more than 50 countries as part of Age Demands Action 2010.

ADA leaders and campaigners called on their national governments to take action on issues which affect older people, such as pensions, healthcare, housing and access to work.

Older people marched in Kenya, joined processions in Ghana, met government officials in Sri Lanka and even formed a human chain in Bangladesh.

This action led to real change; pensions and allowances were raised and policies changed, amongst scores of other achievements around the world.

Age Demands Action 2011: Action that can't be ignored!

Five years on and 26 participating countries have become 57 - ADA 2011 is bigger and better than ever!

Three presidents, of Slovenia, Nepal and Mozambique, two prime ministers, marathons, marches, street theatre, and even a reggae group; the latest Age Demands Action is making more noise about older people's rights than ever before.

This year, our brand new ADA Leaders will be speaking out about their experiences and fighting age discrimination in their communities.

Campaigners from across the globe are also sending in photo messages in support of older people's rights. And you can too!