A new study launched by HelpAge International exposes the depth of the global neglect of older people. For years, the world has spoken about “leaving no one behind”. Yet when the numbers are laid bare, the gap between words and action is staggering.
Why the numbers matter
The world’s population is ageing faster than at any time in history. By 2050, one in six people will be over 65. In some regions, older people are already among the fastest-growing groups. They are leaders in families, carers for grandchildren, workers in economies, and pillars of communities.
Yet international funding flows tell a different story. These figures shows that older people are virtually absent from humanitarian priorities. Response frameworks barely acknowledge them, even in the face of disasters, conflicts, and displacement.
This is a systemic weakness that undermines resilience, weakens recovery, and entrenches inequality.
The human cost of neglect
When older people are excluded from aid and support, the consequences are stark:
- Lives are lost: Humanitarian crises disproportionately affect older people – whether due to disruptions to critical services such as healthcare, the impact of extreme weather, or the risks faced during displacement. Without targeted assistance, even the most resilient are the first to fall through the cracks.
- Families are affected: In many societies, older people care for children and support households. Supporting them strengthens whole families.
- Communities are undermined: Excluding older people means losing vital knowledge, experience, and leadership. This erodes social cohesion and weakens recovery.
Why this study matters
HelpAge’s new report brings together evidence on the underfunding of older people, tracking financial flows and analysing appeals. It highlights the mismatch between demographic reality and humanitarian priorities – and offers a roadmap for change.
The findings show that this is not about lack of capacity or evidence but about ensuring greater attention and accountability. With the right action, donors and humanitarian actors can turn this gap into an opportunity for impact.
A call to leadership
As populations age, the failure to adapt humanitarian funding and policies to older people’s needs will deepen existing inequalities and leave humanitarian actors unprepared for the changing demographics of emergencies.
Governments, donors, and humanitarian agencies must ask themselves: How can we claim to build inclusive systems if the fastest-growing group in the world is left out? How can we talk about resilience, equity, or human rights when older people remain invisible in funding streams?
The numbers – 0.1% and 6.5% – are a reminder of how much work there is to do, but they also provide a clear benchmark against which progress can be measured.
Donors at the heart of change
Donors have a unique role in shaping the humanitarian system. Their decisions set priorities that determine who receives support and how inclusive responses are. With consistent investment and a long-term perspective, donors can help ensure that humanitarian action reflects the realities of ageing populations.
This is an opportunity to build a humanitarian system that is more inclusive, principled, and sustainable, one that values the contributions of all people.
The way forward
Reversing decades of neglect is essential. HelpAge’s study lays out a roadmap that demands action:
- Value contributions and uphold rights: Older people must be recognised as equal rights-holders and active contributors in humanitarian responses.
- Adopt inclusive, intersectional approaches: Address both common and unique risks faced by marginalised groups, and build partnerships that ensure responses are holistic, equitable, and rights based.
- Increase targeted funding: Donors must allocate specific resources for older people in humanitarian programmes.
- Mainstream older people’s needs: Every humanitarian appeal, programme and policy must take into account the realities of ageing populations.
- Invest in data: Better age-disaggregated data is essential to ensure visibility and accountability.
Closing the gap
Older people are central to the strength and resilience of every society. This study shows that current resources and attention do not yet reflect that reality. But it also shows a clear path forward.
Changing this does not mean reinventing systems, it means adjusting priorities. By making older people visible in funding, policy, and practice, we can ensure that humanitarian responses rise to meet demographic change.
The figures of 0.1% and 6.5% should not define the future. With leadership, collaboration, and commitment, they can be turned around, ensuring that no one is left behind.