Faces of Ukraine: four years of resilience

Published

The face of today’s Ukraine is the face of an older person.

More than nine million people aged 60+ live in Ukraine, making up a quarter of the country’s population. After four years of war, their situation has become increasingly dire: recent data shows that 80% of older Ukrainians report high levels of anxiety and distress, while 62% struggle to afford essentials like food and medicine.

They have experienced forced displacement, the loss of their homes, and reduced access to healthcare and social services. Amid destroyed infrastructure and constant stress, they are forced to cope with the most difficult challenges of everyday survival.

Older people are those who live and endure – day after day. Below are reflections from older Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes.

Click each portrait to read their story

Click each portrait to read their story
“A shell hit our building - windows and doors were blown out, and gas began filling the house. I dreamed about it often. Now, gradually, these memories are losing their power. I am learning to live here, in displacement.” Valentyna, 66, displaced from Sievierodonetsk
Click each portrait to read their story
“Every war ends. One must live. There is a moment today - so live it. Don’t wait.“ Valentyna, 77, displaced from Sievierodonetsk
Click each portrait to read their story
“Neither injury nor war has broken me. But what helps most is knowing that I am not alone - that there are people who care about me. And that gives me the strength to keep living.“ Nadiia, 61, displaced from Donetsk region
Click each portrait to read their story
“Everything was unfamiliar - the city, the people, even the air. And my health is no longer what it was. Sometimes you don’t think about tomorrow, only about how to get to the shop or the pharmacy.“ Vira, 81, displaced from Kharkiv
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“When illness takes away your strength, and war takes everything else, you feel defenceless. I dream only of peace, so that my grandchildren never know what fear is. Until then, we keep going.“ Alla, 62, displaced from Lysychansk

Explore personal reflections

Iryna, 62, displaced from Bakhmut

There is nowhere to return to – and that is the greatest pain. But even here, in displacement, anxiety grows: the frontline is getting closer, and you don’t know what comes next…

Valentyna, 68, displaced from Volnovakha

I am a teacher and even in displacement I continue to work. It gives me a sense of purpose. I also read a lot – it helps me stay resilient.

We, older people in Ukraine, are like tin soldiers - resilient despite all trials, yet at the same time very fragile and vulnerable.

Liudmyla, 67, and Oleksandr, 61

Iryna, 63, displaced from Kramatorsk

The most important thing is to remain active, because life only has flavour when there is joy in every day.

Olena, 90, displaced from Sievierodonetsk

I try to stay active. I have experienced myself how important movement is. I also sing in a choir – it makes me feel needed. Others say my energy inspires them, and that makes me very happy.

Older people in Ukraine

  • 50 %

    of all civilian deaths are older people

  • 51 %

    of older people over 70 are living alone, separated from family

  • 80 %

    of older people report high levels of anxiety and distress

  • 67 %

    of older people are currently not reached by aid

Valentyna, 98, with her daughter Liudmyla, 68, displaced from Popasna

We have been living in conditions of war for eight years now, holding on to the hope that this war will end soon and we will return home. Even our dreams are different now – not colourful like at home, but like a tangled web.

Taras, 85, displaced from Sievierodonetsk

I have lived a long life and seen a lot. But I believe that people around you and support are the most important things in old age.

 

Liudmyla, 73, displaced from Sievierodonetsk

I dream that all older people in Ukraine could live in peace, well-being and, most importantly, at home.

Vira, 75, with her grandson

Hope and support for older people in Ukraine

Despite the immense challenges of the war, the older people of Ukraine show incredible strength and resilience. Many face hardships, from displaced homes to disrupted healthcare and pensions, yet remain unbroken.

By providing essential humanitarian support, we can help protect their dignity and ensure those in war-torn areas or neighbouring countries are never alone.

Supporting older people in Ukraine