Gilbert, 66, Haiti

Gilbert, 66, has been a carpenter for 17 years. He rents a small workshop where he makes chairs and other household items. 

He lives alone in Tapis Rouge camp in Port-au-Prince after his house was destroyed by the earthquake two years ago. He has one son who is nine, two daughters and three grandchildren.

Gilbert benefitted from HelpAge's cash transfer scheme and also received a Tough Stuff kit, which includes a solar powered lamp. He uses it to read the bible at night, which brings him great comfort.

Gilbert, 66 and a carpenter, was part of a HelpAge cash transfer scheme. He used the money to buy food. (c) Frederic Dupoux/HelpAge International

"I came here after the earthquake because my other place was destroyed. I tried to save my tools but they were stolen, so I came here because my nephew was already working in this area. There is not much construction going on. You can go for one month without getting a job.

"It's difficult to compare [before the earthquake and now], before there were houses, people were getting married and they needed furniture.

"Now you have no furniture and people have no homes. It is only people who are comfortable enough and have parents supporting them who can afford to get married now.

Little food and water

"My house was destroyed, so now I live in a tent. I don't know how long it will take me until I can build another home; it is in the hands of God. But I have no real hope of rebuilding with the revenue I have now.

"We eat very lightly, not good meals. You can find some rice but without vegetables or beans. Where I live there's no water, we have to walk for an hour and a half to get it in another neighbourhood.

"HelpAge gave me a radio, a flashlight and a solar panel. From March to July [2011] I got a phone from HelpAge and once a month I received a transfer of 700 Haitian gourds (US$15).

"I still use my lamp. The cash transfer was useful too. I could buy food in advance knowing that at a certain times I would have money. I also bought oils and spices to cook food and paid back some debts.

"I still believe older people can be useful"

"There is a feeling at the moment that older people should be set aside because they have failed their country and it's time to let the younger generation lead.

"Old age is still the root of the tree and the branches cannot grow if the root is not sturdy. I still believe that older people can be very useful.

"We still have problems. Older people need to have a little more financial support to resume their activities. Our concern is about getting the support to have a steady income.

"When will things return back to normal? Once you're working, you have hope."