Candeado, age unknown, Mozambique

Candeado's life has changed since he received his glasses. (c) Judith Escribano/Age UK 2010 Candeado does not know when he was born, but says he is so old he was born before the Portuguese came to Mozambique!

He is married with three daughters and two sons, who care for him.

He used to work putting tar on roads and helping to erect electricity pylons. He stopped working in 1986.

"I have received a blanket and a mosquito net from HelpAge. We have also received seeds which my wife has planted in the fields.

"We received five goats. My wife is looking after them now and making sure they don't go and eat the new plants in the field. I look after the goats when my grandchildren are at school, but when they get home, they take over.

I don't want people to take advantage of me

"HelpAge also provided the supporting beams for this house and the corrugated iron roof. My sons chopped down the wood for the poles and put them up. I hope they will be able to help cover the house with mud to stop the rain from coming in.

"I know my rights: I don't want people to take advantage of me. And I expect younger people to respect me. Unfortunately, I do not have any money, so I have to rely on my children to bring me food.

"I didn't know what my life would be like when I got older. I was just a young man, I didn't care about things like that!

Small things make a huge difference 

"It made a big difference when I got my glasses. Before, a boy used to guide me. I could not do anything for myself.

"I could barely eat and I could not even go to the toilet by myself. Now I can do everything. These glasses have been really great for me.

"There is a small health clinic near here. I got first aid from them when I accidentally cut my leg with an axe. I was taken to the clinic on a bike.

"If I needed to go to hospital, I would have to ask the Older People's Committee to provide money to hire an ox cart to take me to the main road and from there, I would have to take public transport."