HelpAge International Asia Pacific

19/12/2025

Congratulations to our partner the Vietnam Association of the Elderly! 🎉

Their Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs (ISHCs) model has won the prestigious Human Act Prize 2025, recognising their incredible impact on healthy ageing and community empowerment.

ISHCs bring generations together to improve health, income, and social connection, transforming lives across Vietnam.

Learn more about this inspiring model: https://ow.ly/xwlu50XLk5R

03/10/2025

📢 Webinar alert: What now for inclusion? Navigating the new era of cuts and resets.

Years of underfunding for marginalised groups are now being compounded by sharp cuts, shifting donor priorities and structural reforms. Within this reset, the centrality of protection risks being sidelined, raising urgent questions about how we safeguard the rights of people most at risk.

On 7 October, 14:00–15:30 (GMT+1), join HelpAge International and ODI Global for a cross-sector panel discussion on the future of inclusion in humanitarian action.

We’re pleased that Rhea T., HelpAge’s Director of Global Impact, will join the conversation, alongside leading voices from across the sector.

Live interpretation will be available in French, Spanish, Arabic and International Sign.

Register here: https://ow.ly/hWuO50X1VXt

01/10/2025

Ageing is a journey we all share.

This International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate older
people everywhere, and renew our commitment to equality,
inclusion, and rights at every stage of life.

21/08/2025

Great news from Vietnam! 🎉

For the first time, older people are explicitly included in the Employment Law of 2025, recognising them as a valuable labour force and ensuring their rights to employment support, training, and protection against age discrimination.

This milestone is the result of years of joint advocacy by HelpAge network member Vietnam Association of the Elderly and HelpAge International in Vietnam. A big step towards an active and inclusive ageing society!

Read more here: https://ow.ly/WyX550WI4Hl

05/08/2025

In a compelling new op-ed for Inter Press Service, Hari Krishna Nibanupudi, HelpAge International’s Climate Change and Ageing Adviser, makes the case for why older people must be central to climate policy.

As climate impacts intensify, from deadly heatwaves to cyclones, older people are among the most affected. But they are also carriers of knowledge, leadership and resistance.

Hari calls for a shift:
1. Recognise older people as a distinct constituency in climate frameworks
2. Open climate finance to older people-led solutions
3. Address structural ageism in climate discourse and data
4. Design age-inclusive adaptation strategies that benefit entire communities

With 2.1 billion people expected to be over 60 by 2050, it’s time to close the age gap in climate policy.

Read the full op-ed here: https://www.ipsnews.net/2025/07/an-ageing-world-on-a-heating-planet-why-older-people-must-be-central-to-climate-policy/

28/06/2025

15/06/2025

"Pliew was my student from 1978 to 1983, and over the years, our bond grew beyond the classroom. Life has taken her through university, a nursing career, and raising a family, but she has always reached out with kindness and care. Her visits and thoughtful messages have meant more than words can say.

Now, as she approaches retirement in 2025, I see not just a former student, but a lifelong friend—someone who has carried the values of gratitude and connection through every stage of life. Our friendship is rooted in respect and shared history and keeps getting stronger with time."
- Sompornthip Hainak,

This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we're celebrating the powerful bonds that protect older people and strengthen communities. Through , we’re highlighting stories of respect, care and enduring friendship, because connection helps prevent abuse.

Read more about our campaign here: https://ow.ly/vU9550W4R6n

24/04/2025

“I live with my daughter, Khin Win Mar, who is a trans woman. When the earthquake hit, we held each other tightly and said our prayers. I couldn’t go outside because of my walking impairment.

We just stayed together, hoping it would pass. Now, we’re always on alert for the next tremor. We’ve come to accept that this is beyond our control. Still, I remind myself — there are many people who are suffering even more than us.”
- Said Daw Khin Lay, 71, Lewe Township, Nay Pyi Taw

Despite the challenges of disability and living in fear of aftershocks, Daw Khin Lay and her daughter show deep resilience and compassion for others. Their story is a reminder that disaster response must be inclusive, recognising the needs of , persons with , and gender-diverse individuals.

AGE Myanmar stands committed to ensuring no one is left behind. Inclusive aid is not just necessary — it’s urgent.

Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and Age International Appeal now: https://bit.ly/4jgNWqi

HelpAge International Asia Pacific

21/04/2025

Register now for “Hazardous Inequalities: Older Adults Responding to the Unequal Health Effects of Climate Change” on 4/22 at 9:00am PDT/12:00

In honor of Earth Day on April 22, 2025, the University of Southern California Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, in cooperation with HelpAge USA and HelpAge International, will highlight how local, national, and global actors are responding to the unequal impacts of climate change on the health of older adults. Climate change disproportionately impacts and exacerbates existing vulnerabilities of aging populations. The resulting displacement, limited access to health services, and social isolation due to extreme weather events is of utmost importance to the health and rights of older people. This virtual panel will address how social and economic inequalities among older adults affect their opportunities for healthy longevity in a climate-changing world, and showcase how older activists for climate justice are acting to advance health and equality.

This virtual event, “Hazardous Inequalities: Older Adults Responding to the Unequal Health Effects of Climate Change,” will take place on Tuesday, April 22, at 9:00 am PDT/12:00 pm EDT/6:00 pm CEST.

Panelists for the discussion are noted below.
1. Cindy Cox-Roman, President and CEO, HelpAge USA
2. Quyen Tran, Global Older People's Association (OPA) Development Advisor, HelpAge International
3. Ritu Sadana, Head, Ageing and Health, World Health Organization
4. Scarlett S. Small, Friendship Bench DC Grandparent
5. Tuere Marshall, Friendship Bench DC Grandparent

The conversation will begin with an introduction by IIGH Director Sofia Gruskin and will be moderated by IIGH Director of Policy Engagement Jonathan Cohen.

The discussion is hosted by the USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health in cooperation with HelpAge USA and HelpAge International.

Register now for this virtual discussion

Get tickets on Humanitix - Hazardous Inequalities: Older Adults Responding to the Unequal Health Effects of Climate Change hosted by USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health. Online. Tuesday April 22nd 2025. Find event information.

01/04/2025

Myanmar’s deadliest earthquake in over a century has struck a country already in crisis. With 1.3 million displaced people in Sagaing and communications down, the scale of devastation is only beginning to emerge.

face the highest risks - mobility challenges, chronic illnesses, and being deprioritised in rescue efforts puts them at high risk. Yet, time and again, humanitarian responses fail to account for their needs.

HelpAge’s partner AGE Myanmar is on the ground, preparing to deliver life-saving aid. But older people must be at the centre of all relief efforts. Without urgent action, they will once again be left behind.

https://lnkd.in/dnsePzPS

31/03/2025

Eduardo Klien, Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, participated in a session on population ageing at the Boao Forum 2025 in Hainan, People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The session, titled “Strengthening Regional Exchanges and Cooperation to Jointly Address Population Ageing,” featured prominent speakers, including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.In his remarks, Eduardo emphasised that population ageing and climate change are the two defining forces shaping economies and societies in the coming decades. He underscored the urgent need for policymakers across the region to adapt to shifting demographic realities and the role of international organisations to facilitate sharing and learning of good and not-so-good practices. Eduardo was also interviewed by Xinhua News Agency.

https://my-h5news.app.xinhuanet.com/h5/article.html?articleId=c9e373dfb7249e8367b44910e8753dee&share_device_token=eea5d6492ff7dec0fe13b104604c5c96&share_time=1743142058117&share_type=1

07/03/2025

This , it’s time to for older women.

Too often, efforts leave older women behind - despite their lifelong contributions to families, communities, and movements for change. From unpaid care work to exclusion from pensions and healthcare, the inequalities they face persist across generations.

We cannot talk about progress if millions of women are still being overlooked. We must challenge ageism and ensure gender justice at every stage of life.

This let's commit to a world where all women, of all ages, are seen, heard, and valued.