Life stories

Our collection of older people's life stories capture the strength and resilience behind a lifetime of experience. 

Through these stories, older people are speaking out and we're listening. Read what they have to say and discover their hopes, challenges and contributions.

Ageing in the 21st century

Ageing in the 21st Century: A Celebration and a Challenge

The world is growing old fast. In the next 10 years, the number of people over age 60 will surpass one billion.

Read about the lives of older people around the world.

Emergencies

Mohamed, 60, from Darfur had to flee his home with his wife and ten children to escape the conflict.

Mohamed and his family fled their home in West Darfur due to the conflict. They lost everything. HelpAge helped Mohamed get back to work as a tailor.

Read more life stories about older people in emergencies.

Rights

Meher, 95, from Bangladesh had no idea she was entitled to a pension.

Meher suffers from chest pains. She had no idea she was eligible for a pension. Through HelpAge's partner in Bangladesh, she got her pension and can now pay for her medication.

Read more life stories about older people accessing their rights.

Work and pensions

Tubakwera, 58, from Uganda has seven grandchildren to support.

Tubakwerwa, cares for seven grandchildren. She received a loan from HelpAge's partner in Uganda to set up a market stall. The money she earns helps to feed her grandchildren.

Read more life stories about older people getting decent work and pensions.

Health

Tecla, from Moldova, was part of a HelpAge project to re-integrate vulnerable older people into society.

Tecla, 87, from Moldova is housebound and isolated. Nobody visited her until HelpAge's partner started a project to reintegrate vulnerable older people into the community.

Read more life stories about older people's health.

HIV and AIDS

Van Quang and Thi Tu care for their son who is HIV positive.

Van Quang and Thi Tu's son is HIV positive. Through HelpAge's partners in Vietnam, they have learnt to care for their son and found support through self-help clubs.

Read more life stories about older people coping with HIV and AIDS.