Octavia, 80, Peru
HelpAge works with partners in Peru to put pensions on the public agenda so that older people, like Octavia, don't have to struggle any more. We also provide training and information so that older people can influence the polic
Photo: Antonio Olmos/HelpAge International
ies that affect them.
Octavia said: "I am 80 now but I still have to work every day because when my husband died 10 years ago he left nothing. He had to sell our land when one of our children got in trouble and had to give him money.
"My husband was a farmer and had no pension so I have nothing to live on except the food I help grow in the communal gardens as part of the senior citizens group.
"A pension would make my life much easier"
"My hands have become swollen and disfigured, but I try and make myself as useful as possible. I come and work here on the communal land about four days a week and in return the co-operative shares out the food we grow. We all work together and I help with the cooking as well, so at least I'm busy.
"If I had a regular income I would first look after my health but then I would try and invest some money every month into the co-operative so we could weave wool or maybe make clothing and share the profit. Any extra I could use to maybe buy some meat a couple of times a week. It doesn't sound like much, but this would make my life much easier."
Older people in Peru are tired of being ignored. Hear their views here:
