Weathering the winter in Kyrgyzstan
How would you cope with a winter that dragged on for months at temperatures as severe as -20⁰C? Maybe you would turn up the heating to "max".
But that is impossible for people like Jursun, 75, and Asker, 66. They dread the onset of winter in their home country of Kyrgyzstan because they do not have enough money to pay for electric heating or even coal.
Determined to tackle winter crises over the long term, we are exploring all kinds of innovative ways forward, like using solar panels to harness energy for vulnerable older people.
We are working with older people's groups to insulate homes and create "warm houses" for neighbours in need, and lobbying policy makers to include older people on their winter-crisis agendas. Read more.
An interview with Asker
Meet the people
Asker, 66, is "afraid" of winter as fuel and food are so expensive. He says: "It is hard to survive. We can use the electricity for only four to five hours a day. Our pension is quite low. Life is getting harder every year. I keep the house warm mostly by using wood and animal dung." HelpAge is reaching out to people like Asker by giving them shoes, blankets, thermos flasks and kerosene lamps. Read his story.
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Meet the people
As a grandmother caring for two young grandchildren, Jursun, 75, really feels the pressure when winter strikes. Her son left her family's home to work in the nearest town - but he does not earn enough to send any money home. While Jursun does all she can to keep the family healthy, bread and tea are not enough for the three of them. They really need daily hot meals and a warm home. Read how we are helping her.
