Don Basilio, 71, Bolivia

HelpAge International works to build up older people's networks in Bolivia to fight for the rights of older people.

Don Basilio, 71, is president of an Older People's Association (OPA) and says it has changed his life.

He said: "When the OPA was founded, the organisers went door to door to include us in their list.

"Then they called a meeting and we all met at the main square. At first there were about 150 people, now there are 460.  I was elected President.

"I thank the Fundacion Horizontes (supported by HelpAge) because through them I have seen things more clearly. I didn't know about older people's rights before but through workshops and publications I have got to know a lot about them."

Do you discuss rights issue in your organisation?

"Yes, when I started working as president we met with the delegates every month. We talk about our rights and their different needs. We also have general meetings.

"The delegates are spokespeople in their own communities and they report back to those who are too old or sick to come to the meetings."

What kind of activities have you carried out?

"I share information on law benefits with older people so they will be awarded their rights. I went to the Electricity and Power Office to claim the 20% discount we are entitled to. We are working with the municipality to arrange identification documents so we can ensure healthcare for older people."

How do you defend older people's rights?

"I go to meetings in the municipality to check where their money goes. I also have to attend to regional meetings. I wanted to resign from my position, but the other members wouldn't let me.

"Sometimes I travel to rural communities to try and help older people who are treated badly by their leaders. I tell them not to treat older people as young people. There are leaders who think that older people will always be active and able to work."

Before you joined the organisation, did you know about your rights?

"No, I didn't; I only knew we had the BONOSOL (old name for the universal social pension). I found out about my rights when I was elected. Fundacion Horizontes help me. They provided me with materials and gave me support through workshops."

What are the organisation's achievements? 

"We've succeeded in lowering electricity and water bills. Now we're fighting to get access to all three health levels. We have access to the first level, but not yet the others."

Has older people's quality of life improved?

"Yes, poorer can get Renta Dignidad (new universal social pension) without waiting months for it. This wouldn't have happened without us marching and demonstrating to Congress."

What is your opinion on the work being done to defend older people's rights?  

"For me, the project is good. We appreciate what it is doing for us because people are poor and don't have any resources. Some older people care for their grandchildren. It is difficult, but we have dignity. We are working to improve the quality of life for all older people."

Watch older people in Bolivia talk about the fight for their rights