Rosette, grandmother, Haiti
The HelpAge day trip that Rosette attended helped her to de-stress
Frederic Dupoux/HelpAge International 2010
Since a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on 12 January 2010, HelpAge has been on the ground to ensure older people's needs are met.
At least 200,000 older people were affected by the earthquake.
For many survivors the most difficult aspect of disaster is coping with day-to-day life afterwards.
We have employed psychologists so we can help older people still living in camps.
Through various methods we help them cope with trauma.
And we organise fun, social activities and monthly day trips to the beach or mountains to provide older people with a little respite from the oppression of living in camps.
Rosette came on one of our day trips to the beach.
She said: "I had three daughters but they all died before the earthquake leaving me four children to take care of. I'm the only one taking care of them and I'm not working.
"The only way I'm surviving is that I had my own house that my father left me. The earthquake damaged my house and now I am living in a tent on Place St. Anne.
"During the day I go back to the house because I cannot stand the heat from the sun. The house didn't fall down but it was badly cracked.
"I'm scared that it would fall on me because of how bad the damage is. The government says the back needs to be repaired, but the problem is that I'm not working so I can't afford to fix it.
"The beach trip was good relaxation"
"I am really happy with this trip that HelpAge provided us, it's a nice relaxation.
"I was chosen for the trip when one of the boys from the camp told me they were taking names for this trip. They told me to meet them today at 7am for this trip, so I did. Otherwise I would be at home doing nothing.
"I don't enjoy staying at home doing nothing. Sometimes when you are home, hand on chin, you're thinking, and it's stressful. Today I'm happy because I am not thinking about my problems too much.
"Before I had a stroke, years back, I used to work, I was a merchant. I could walk but my legs were bad and during the initial shock of the earthquake my legs became worse. Thankfully I didn't lose anyone in the earthquake.
"I'm still not well but today I had fun"
"Actually, I was in my home when it happened. I was getting ready to go to a church meeting, when it happened I said "Jesus! Pity, forgive me, mercy" then I grabbed three of my grandchildren and ran.
"Some people in my church group died and it's hurt me a lot to think about them. All of it has affected me. I'm still not well but I'm better.
"But today, I get to have fun at the beach with my neighbours. I am happy."
I don't enjoy staying at home doing nothing. Sometimes when you're
home, hand on chin, you're thinking, and it's stressful. Today I'm
happy because I'm not thinking about my problems too much.