Part one: Global trends

Older Persons

Ajuong Thok Refugee Camp, South Sudan

Sudanese refugees observe physical distancing while listening to health and sanitation messages broadcast through a speaker system. UNHCR, WFP and partners are distributing two months’ worth of food rations to refugees in South Sudan, in line with COVID-19 preventative measures, to reduce the number of times refugees need to gather in larger groups to receive humanitarian aid. UNHCR/Elizabeth Marie Stuart

The global population over 80 has almost tripled in 20 years.¹ By 2050 it will triple again, when 1 in 6 people will be over 65.²

More than 46 per cent of older persons – those aged 60 years and over—have disabilities and more than 250 million older people experience moderate to severe disability³, with numbers increasing as people grow older. This dramatic increase in the age of the population, particularly in Latin America, the Caribbean, East and South East Asia, places older person’s needs and challenges in critical need of future support.

Approximately 26 million older persons experience disasters each year.⁴ This number is growing, yet older persons continue to be overlooked in emergency relief systems.⁵ Their ability to adapt and prepare may be hindered by health conditions, disabilities or social and economic disadvantages. Those who are less educated, unskilled and with fewer resources are more likely to be victims of abuse.⁶ Older women are particularly at risk due to increased life expectancy, being widowed or alone.⁷

COVID-19 has increased the abuse, and neglect of older persons around the world⁸ and greatly amplified fear and anxiety.⁹ Before the pandemic, it was estimated that 1 in 6 older persons were subject to abuse. Emerging evidence indicates that this is sharply increasing as a direct result of the pandemic and lockdown measures.¹⁰ The risks of neglect or isolation continues to be higher for people living in camps than those living in the community.¹¹

Overcrowding in camp settings, as well as limited health care, and water and sanitation, puts older persons at particular risk.¹² In South Sudan 45 per cent of older persons reported that their access to health services had changed due to COVID-19, partly due to transport costs, partly due to fear of contracting the virus at a health facility and partly due to pre-existing difficulties in accessing health (9 per cent of older adults surveyed stated they never had access to health services before the pandemic).¹³

Ouallam, Niger

This Nigerian IDP lives on a site for displaced persons in Ouallam. She told UNHCR that an armed group threatened her community and forced them to leave the village empty handed. It took her nine days to travel 150 km, and for two days they had no food or water. This is the second time she has been forced from her home.

UNHCR/Sylvain Cherkaoui

High levels of income insecurity, borrowing and food insecurity among older persons persist. In Venezuela, 77 per cent of older persons reported insufficient access to food with three in four having to borrow money¹⁴ and in Syria, 53 per cent of older persons had less than 2 days of food in the house.¹⁵

More data and research are needed as focus shifts to supporting an aging population in humanitarian crises. Studies have shown that, when consulted and included appropriately in needs assessments or livelihood programs, older persons tend to be less marginalized. Basic accessibility features and other low-cost adaptations can help preserve the dignity of older persons and increase their social inclusion. Protection efforts must tackle age and disability discrimination and should not overlook that older persons demonstrate incredible resilience and positivity. They retain vital local knowledge and often occupy important roles as community leaders, volunteers or caregivers.¹⁶