Sher Shah, Pakistan

Sher Shah is a member of an Older People's Association. It was set up after the floods to involve older people in the relief process. Photo: Mohammed Khalid Riaz/HelpAge International Following the floods in Pakistan six months ago, HelpAge set up older people's associations.

Through the older people's associations, we have distributed cash grants to older people, as well as relief items such as hygiene kits and mobility aids.

We spoke to Sher Shah, a member of an older people's association in Nowshera, Pakistan: "Every disaster brings a new face. We had never heard about older people's associations before now.

"We would have liked to have had an older people's association before the flood, it would have been very useful. But at least we have one now, and HelpAge is our adviser.

The floods affected every person, every house

"The floods affected every person, every house. The water level treats everyone equally, whether they are rich or poor. Everyone here lost everything. 

"There are 15 members in our older people's association. The villagers elected us because they trust us. We then selected the villagers most in need of the cash grant. We went around the village with a megaphone to let people know about the new scheme.

Older people can start their businesses again

"We made a list of the most vulnerable older people, including widows and those living alone; at least five members of the older people's association have to agree on the names on the list.

"Some older people used it to start their own little businesses again. Some of the women used it to buy sewing machines, some spent it just on food or to replace furniture.

"Others put the money towards a donkey and cart, or new tools. And we also had to pay off loans that were taken out straight after the floods. But the older people's associations are not just for giving money. People come to talk about their problems and as members we support them.

Food and fuel prices have shot up

"People here are poor. Inflation has risen by 50%. Before the flood, flour cost 400 rupees (£3.20) per 20kg bag, now it costs 600 rupees (£4.80) per bag.

"Before the floods cooking oil cost 100 rupees (£0.80) per kg, now its 150 rupees (£1.20). Wood, which we use for fuel and for cooking, and rice is also a lot more expensive. Gas, which we use a lot in these colds winter months, has tripled in price.

"A labourer earns 300 rupees (£2.40) a day. But older men over 60 don't work as labourers. We 'retire'. We have jobs like farming, cutting trees, or as watchmen. We look after children but that doesn't pay!"