China
Working closely with partners, we promote financial security, healthcare, support and dignity for older people, especially in rural areas of Western China.
Our three-year project across 30 villages in the western province of Shaanxi tackles the poverty and health issues often faced by older people, with active support from local authorities.
As part of this project, we strengthen older people's associations in poor villages to reduce isolation and build community networks that encourage mutual support.
These associations share new ideas with Chinese authorities about how older people can be supported by, and contribute to, their communities.
Life story: Xiao Qiao Zhen, 68 and Mao Tai Xue
Xiao Qiao Zhen with her husband, Mao Tai Xue
HelpAge International 2011
Xiao Qiao Zhen is 68 and from Hua County. Her husband Mao Tai Xue has heart disease so cannot work meaning Xiao is the main labourer in the family.
They also care for two of their grandsons. Poor geographical conditions, bad weather and being unable to afford decent seeds, Xiao's harvests have been poor.
In 2009, HelpAge helped set up an older people's association in Xiao's village and she became one of its first livelihoods beneficiaries.
She says: "Since I have financial difficulties, I could not afford good quality fertiliser.
"With the grant from the older people's association, I could buy 20 bags of good fertiliser and with the good weather, I gained a good harvest.
"Keeping enough for the family to eat, I sold the rest and gained more than CNY 5,000 (US$760).
"I am now very active in the association. The lectures on health care also provide practical help such as preventing disease."
The difference we made in 2010-11
- We have worked alongside 50 older people's associations to strengthen agricultural livelihoods, promote healthy ageing and encourage community-based care for vulnerable and isolated older people in Shaanxi, Sichuan and Hunan provinces.
- We have joined with the China National Committee on Ageing to help local governments plan for the impact of rapid ageing in China.
- We have provided livelihood assets or small loans to 1,300 poor older people in rural villages in Shaanxi and Sichuan through community-based organisations.
What next?
- In partnership with the Shaanxi Provincial Committee on Ageing, we will continue to support the agricultural livelihoods and health awareness of hundreds of older people and their families in poor villages.
- We will share our experience and models for community-based associations, first with 18 new villages in Shaanxi and then with other provinces throughout China.
- We will look for new ways for communities to ensure frail and isolated older people routinely receive care and companionship from their own neighbours.
Our affiliates
The China National Committee on Ageing, Helping Hand Hong Kong, Instituto de Acção Social de Macau
Our partners
Shaanxi, Sichuan and Hunan Provincial Committees on Ageing and the School of Public Health of Sichuan University
Our donors
European Union, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, Age UK
