HelpAge International is a global network of organisations promoting the right of all older people to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives.
HelpAge promotes health and wellbeing of older people across the life-course, including through promoting better prevention, care and management of NCDs. We work with partners at all levels and conduct broad based advocacy including as a non-state actor in official relations with WHO and through engagement in NCD agendas.HelpAge International is a global non-profit organisation that works through the HelpAge global network, an alliance of organisations committed to the wellbeing, dignity and voice of older people. We were founded in 1983, and the global network have more than 170 global members in more than 90 countries.
Our mission is to promote the rights and well-being of older people, and to help them live dignified and fulfilling lives. Through our work we address the challenges faced by older people, such as poverty, social isolation, and discrimination. We also advocate for policies and programmes that support the rights of older people, and provide support to local organisations and communities working with older people. Some of the key areas that we focus on are:
Healthy ageing is a thematic priority of our work and the transformation of systems and societies so that they successfully promote health and wellbeing of older people across the life-course, including through promoting better prevention, care and management of NCDs. We work with partners from grassroot to global levels to achieve age-inclusive, universal and equitable health and care services while taking action to address wider determinants of health. We conduct broad based advocacy and influencing at all levels, including as a non-state actor in official relations with WHO and through engagement in NCD agendas, the Decade of Healthy Ageing and progress towards Universal Health Coverage. We support community-based approaches to health and wellbeing through strengthening policy, supporting programmes and building partnerships – including as part of the Scaling Up NCD Interventions in South East Asia programme (https://www.suni-sea.org) and the Better Health for Older People in Africa programme. We provide expertise to support the development of person-centred, long-term care and support systems. HelpAge is also a humanitarian actor and promotes inclusive humanitarian responses. This includes ensuring NCD prevention, care and management is available to older people in emergencies.
