Ageing
The process of ageing increases the likelihood of experiencing disability, primarily due to the gradual decline in physical and cognitive functions. The link between ageing and disability poses significant challenges in Global South countries, where often healthcare, infrastructure, and social support systems may be inadequate or not exist. As a result, this can lead to a growing population of older adults facing barriers to accessing healthcare, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and support services. In addition, older people who also have a disability experience higher exposure to poverty, social isolation, and abuse, which further exacerbates their marginalisation.
The resources provided in this section include relevant research, guidelines, and standards to understand the needs of older people with disabilities.
HelpAge International (2022) Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The inclusion and use of data on older people in the humanitarian programme cycle
This report explores ways to strengthen understanding of older people’s rights and needs within humanitarian responses and the wider humanitarian system through more informed and appropriate collection and use of data at each stage of the humanitarian program cycle.
HelpAge International (2023) Including Us: What older people say about the barriers they face to social inclusion
This paper collates responses from consultations with older people in Colombia, Jordan, Kenya, Philippines and Spain on their experiences of inclusion.
HelpAge International (2024) “At Home, Even the Walls Help”: Exploring the Palliative Care Needs, Experiences, Preferences, and Hopes of Older People with Serious Illness in Ukraine
This report explores the palliative care needs, preferences, and hopes for older people with serious illness in Ukraine.
United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities (2019) Report on the rights of older persons with disabilities
In this report, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities examines the situation of older persons with disabilities, and provides guidance to States on how to promote, protect and ensure their human rights and fundamental freedoms, paying particular attention to the intersection between ageing and disability.
World Health Organization (WHO) (2007) Global age-friendly cities: a guide
This guide published by WHO describes the trends of population ageing and urbanisation.
