News

The number of older persons is growing faster than any other age group, according to our new report, Ageing in the Twenty-first Century: A Celebration and a Challenge, released today on International Day of Older Persons in collaboration with UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. The landmark report underlines that, while the trend of ageing societies is a cause for celebration, it also presents huge challenges as it requires completely new approaches to health care, employment and living arrangements.

We are very sorry to share the news that incoming board member Faith Innerarity, 54, passed away on the 27th September in Florida, United States, after a short illness.

People across the UK are being urged to nominate inspirational older people, as part of the new 60 over 60 campaign to celebrate the growing numbers of older people in the UK and around the world.

To complement the release of a new report, Ageing in the Twenty-First Century: A Celebration and a Challenge, UNFPA and HelpAge International are creating a list of 60 inspiring and influential older people over 60, and we need your help.

Last week the European Commission released a new communication on social protection. This is the first time that the EU, the world’s biggest aid donor, has sought to explain how EU development cooperation can support the strengthening of social protection systems around the world.

The third session of the OEWG ended positively with a strong recommendation by the Chair for the continuation and renewal of the Working Group’s mandate. The OEWG was also a great opportunity for HelpAge to present our Age Demands Action petition to Ivan Simonovic, the UN Assistant Secretary-general for Human Rights.

The third session of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) takes place in New York between 21- 24 August and will discuss gaps in the protection of older people's rights and how to address them

On 30 July 2012, the Philippines was struck by Typhoon Saola, which brought heavy rain and floods that have affected thousands of people. HelpAge is working with our local partner, The Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE), to provide immediate and essential relief to older people affected by the flood.

On 22 July the HIV world’s attention will be turned to Washington D.C. as the International AIDS Conference, AIDS 2012, gets underway. HelpAge CEO, Richard Blewitt, HIV Policy Adviser, Rachel Albone and other staff working on HIV and representatives from our partner organisations will be at the conference.

HelpAge International in Mozambique is working and sharing experiences with governments from across Africa to tackle poverty in old age.

This week, the whole world is looking towards Rio de Janeiro, where the Rio+20 summit is taking place. Important emerging challenges including climate change,food security and health are being discussed. However, one issue that has major implications for everyone is missing – that of global ageing.

This Friday 15 June marks the first officially recognised, “United Nations World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” (WEAAD). Millions of people around the world are holding events to raise awareness of a growing and global injustice.