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Elderly Poverty in Samoa: How Tradition is Transitioning

Elderly Poverty in SamoaMigration has been a central feature of Pacific Island life for decades. This is particularly true for young islanders from regions like Samoa, who seek better education, work and opportunities beyond their shores. While migration brings many benefits and connects remote Pacific regions to the modern global world, it also has downsides. As a phenomenon, it has significantly disrupted social traditions and structures.

At the core of the Samoan way of life and tradition is “Fa’a” culture. This encompassed shared values and social systems, placing strong importance on family, familial obligations, respect and service, where younger generations are expected to care for elders. Older adults in Samoa and across the Pacific Islands, have historically relied upon this tight, family, elder-based structure to aid their later lives.

What makes elderly social and economic vulnerability unique in less developed nations is the limited availability of social provisions, which increases dependency on informal networks such as family and friends. Additionally, most available work is agricultural and labor-intensive, excluding older people from being self-sufficient, unlike in regions such as Singapore, where elderly poverty has different causes and contexts.

Socioeconomic Challenges and the Impact of Migration

Samoa is one of the most stable and relatively healthy economies in the Pacific region, with the average family earning a lower-middle income. However, the social impact of migration, which disrupts traditional sociocultural structures, leaves certain groups extremely vulnerable. According to a 2022 report from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics, emigration rates are particularly high among those aged 15 to 24.

Combined with Samoa’s atypical family compositions and relatively high dependency ratios, this creates a socioeconomic burden on those “left behind.” The effects of migration have also coincided with other considerable factors contributing to elderly poverty in Samoa. This includes an increased frequency of natural disasters in the region, particularly detrimental to such a farming-dependent nation and a slow post-pandemic economic recovery.

In October 2024, the World Bank reported an increase in Samoa’s poverty rate from 18.8% to 21.9% in 2018, showing how severely the nation was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic recovery only began in 2023 with the easing of border restrictions and the return of tourism. Yet the limited research and attention given to such remote regions, like the Pacific Islands, make the situation, presumably worse since 2018, tougher to navigate and aid.

Community Resilience and NGO Efforts

Elderly poverty and vulnerability in Samoa and across remote Pacific Island regions are multidimensional issues, impacting social, economic, cultural and even psychological aspects of life. Addressing elderly poverty in Samoa requires coordinated and sustained action. Strengthened social safety measures like pensions, community-based elder care and inclusive migration policies would be invaluable. Meanwhile, NGOs and charities in the region provide hands-on, proactive support to those most affected.

ADRA Samoa is the national branch of the International Adventist Development and Relief Agency, founded in 1956, headquartered in Apia, whose humanitarian mission is to serve people “with no preference for race, gender or religion.” The organization aims to support vulnerable communities, especially elderly groups, through many practical measures. These include disaster readiness, housing, hygiene and sanitation in response to migration-inclusive community empowerment.

An example of its inclusive community empowerment work is completing a significant round of shelter projects across Samoa, coinciding with opening a new climate-resilient evacuation shelter in Savai’i. Through this initiative, the NGO built 26 new shelters and 26 hygiene facilities with accessibility features. These spaces also serve as meeting places for village and community programs. The organization’s efforts focus on vulnerable groups, such as older people, helping to rejuvenate community life and service, which are core values in Samoan culture.

Over the several decades of its work in Samoa, ADRA Samoa has improved the living conditions of more than 1,000 vulnerable Samoans, built more than 200 homes and hygiene facilities and assisted hundreds of families.

Final Remarks

Despite the challenges brought on by migration, economic shifts and other external factors, which highlight the complexities of global poverty, Samoa’s communities have shown remarkable resilience. Organizations like ADRA Samoa demonstrate the power of inclusive, community-driven initiatives that not only reduce poverty among older people but also restore hope and dignity to vulnerable populations. With continued attention and support, Samoa and the wider Pacific region prove that positive change is possible even in the most remote places.

– Mia Keen

Mia is London, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything To Know About Poverty in Bulgaria 

Poverty in BulgariaFor a substantial portion (approximately 21.7% or 1.5 million in 2024) of Bulgaria’s population, poverty is an inescapable reality. Vulnerable citizens, especially Romani people, are born into families with little access to basic needs, such as education, housing and employment, further maintaining the cycle of systemic inequality. Recently, however, the nation’s government and nonprofits have been taking measurable steps toward a brighter outlook by reducing the risk of poverty for more than 1 million individuals since 2015. Understanding poverty in Bulgaria starts with recognizing who is experiencing the most impact and why the hardships persist, and the actions organizations are taking to alleviate the conditions of poverty in Bulgaria.

Who Faces the Greatest Risk

The effects of poverty disproportionately impact children and Romani communities. About 28.2% of Bulgarian minors were at risk of poverty in a 2024 report; four-fifths of them were born into households with parents who had not completed more than ISCED Level 1 education. Systematic inequality continues to affect Romani peoples’ access to basic needs unduly. The income inequality is especially notable, as the region with the lowest GDP per capita in the European Union, Severozapaden, also reports the lowest life expectancy.

Numerous interconnected factors have been maintaining this state of affairs, and their consequences are evident. While average wages and the poverty line have increased in recent years, they remain among the lowest in the EU. Individuals working in low-value-added industries (agriculture, most commonly) struggle most with poverty in Bulgaria. Due to low birth rates and emigration, Bulgaria’s population has dropped by nearly 25% since 1990. While rural communities are most subject to depopulation and low investment, economic growth remains concentrated in Sofia.

Social Transfers and EU Cohesion Funds

To support the impoverished, several government and NGO interventions have been implemented and are underway. Pensions, child allowances and other governmental social transfers are serving hundreds of thousands of households that were previously facing the predicament of whether to cut back on essentials in order to provide their children with food and school supplies. Such transfers decreased the likelihood of child poverty by 13.6 percentage points in 2023. Funding from the EU is especially important in facing regional imbalances and persistent poverty. The EU Cohesion Policy for 2021–2027 continues to support the improvement of infrastructure, as well as increased employment opportunities and vocational training. Additionally, billions of leva have been allocated by the Human Resources Development Programme to promote entrepreneurial activity, fund improved childcare and train employees. According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians have completed the training.

An NGO’s Impact

According to the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN), Bulgaria not only advocates for fairer wages and more inclusive social policies, but also directly assists households during energy crises. Thousands of families received such energy assistance, according to the EAPN’s 2023 Poverty Watch. The group has demanded that the government raise the minimum wage and pension, tax more equitably and guarantee that all disadvantaged populations receive proper support.

Looking Ahead

Bulgaria is moving towards the goal of leaving no one behind, thanks to national transfers alleviating child poverty, EU cohesion funds increasing access to education and jobs and civil organizations supporting vulnerable households. The most critical first step that is needed in the fight against inequality is the recognition that an issue as widespread as poverty affects millions of lives that have untold potential.

– Clara Garza

Clara is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Elderly Poverty in Togo: The Fight for Dignity and Support

Elderly Poverty in TogoElderly poverty in Togo is a serious and often overlooked issue. Public discussions usually center on youth employment or general health, leaving out many older citizens, especially those who worked in informal jobs without retirement benefits. This article looks at the institutional and social factors behind elderly poverty in Togo and shows how reforms and local efforts can help restore dignity and support for this vulnerable group.

The Structural Drivers of Exclusion

The main reason many older people are poor is that the formal social security system leaves them out. More than 86% of Togolese workers are in the informal sector, and they do not have access to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) retirement system. As a result, only about 20% of elderly people get a formal pension. This means that almost four out of five older citizens do not have a secure income in retirement. The problem is even worse in rural areas, where nearly 59% of people live in poverty.

Health Care Crisis: A Universal Gap

The income crisis is made worse by major problems in health care. More than 91% of elderly people do not have reliable health insurance. This lack of insurance significantly affects their overall well-being, contributing to multidimensional poverty. Health insecurities intersect with income disparities to limit their access to essential services and weaken their social voice and agency. When medical emergencies happen, families often have to spend their limited savings on care, which keeps the cycle of poverty going from one generation to the next. Without addressing these interconnected issues, focusing solely on income support will leave human development efforts incomplete.

Research in Lomé shows that more than half of older adults living in the community report poor health, and many have chronic illnesses. Because so few have insurance, there is an urgent need for policy changes to reduce suffering and financial hardship.

Government Action and Policy Impasse

The Togolese government recognizes the importance of universal coverage and has begun expanding social safety nets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Novissi program used mobile money to send targeted cash transfers to people in need. This showed that the country can deliver broad and efficient support, setting an example for future programs.

Local activists are lobbying the government to transition this successful model into a permanent, unconditional cash transfer program targeting the extremely poor and vulnerable. The government is also working to compile a Unified Social Registry and provide biometric identification to all citizens, which are indispensable steps for an accurate, scaled-up cash transfer policy.

However, progress toward universal coverage is stalled because there is no decision yet on how to fund the Assurance Maladie Universelle (AMU) for the most vulnerable people. Policymakers need to choose whether to fund this insurance through taxes, worker contributions or both. This choice will decide if the poorest people remain excluded.

Community Resilience: Local Safety Nets

Since there is no comprehensive safety net, community-led groups play a key role in providing financial and social support. Traditional savings and loan cooperatives, called tontines or Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), are an important local safety net. In Togo, these cooperatives make up most of the microfinance sector, serving 80% of clients — about 212,000 people — and providing access to credit and savings without requiring collateral. For example, in the village of Tomé, VSLAs with about 25 members help people save money together and take out loans. This allows them to invest in their farms or pay for urgent needs, such as emergencies.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also helping vulnerable people improve their farming. One project supported people with disabilities and small farmers by drilling additional wells for water and starting new activities, such as beekeeping. This helped about 22,000 people in Togo build a better future.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, solving elderly poverty in Togo demands a dual strategy: institutionalizing successful digital cash transfers and securing dedicated funding for social benefits to protect the 80% of the elderly population excluded, while continuing to amplify community-led resilience efforts. Securing dignity and support for older citizens is not just a moral duty; it is a critical investment in the nation’s future stability.

– David Kohen

David is based in British Columbia, Canada and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Elderly Poverty in Guinea-Bissau

Elderly Poverty in Guinea-BissauIn the villages and rural communities of Guinea-Bissau, elderly citizens, who occupy about 3.1% of the population, struggle each day to survive on limited resources, resulting in poverty and neglect overshadowing their years of experience. Guinea-Bissau is a small country located in West Africa with a population of more than two million people. Its economy primarily depends on agriculture, with exports including fish, cotton, cashew nuts and groundnuts. However, deep-rooted challenges such as corruption, war damage, inflation and poverty prevent the nation from meeting the needs and hopes of its people. With more than two-thirds of the population living below the poverty line, the elderly, who make up 3.14% of the population, remain among the most vulnerable. Guinea-Bissau must address elderly poverty and strengthen social support to ensure dignity and well-being for older citizens. Here is more information about elderly poverty in Guinea-Bissau.

Challenges That the Elderly Population Face

Elderly poverty occurs when people of the older generation, typically 65 years and older, experience financial insecurity and limited access to basic resources. This issue creates serious concern in Guinea-Bissau, where economic instability and a weak social support system increase the vulnerability of the aging population.

The pension system in Guinea-Bissau plays a major role in causing elderly poverty in Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau operates two pension schemes: a public one for government employees and a private scheme that the National Social Security Institute (INSS) oversees. However, both systems face serious challenges. Most citizens work in the informal sector and therefore do not receive formal pension benefits. Irregular government funding and financial strain weaken the public scheme, while the private system suffers from administrative inefficiency and weak oversight.

These issues leave many elderly citizens without social protection and steady income, making Guinea Bissau’s case severe compared to other West African countries. Pensions cover only about 2.9% of the workforce in Guinea-Bissau, leaving 97% of working adults without a financial safety net after retirement. Most elderly citizens rely on support from family members or community networks to survive. Those without family assistance often face extreme poverty and food insecurity, and they often lack of access to health care.

Efforts Towards a Brighter Future

Despite these difficulties and challenges, several organizations support the elderly and work to reduce poverty in Guinea-Bissau. Organizations such as Caritas Guinea-Bissau provide health care, food security and community support for vulnerable groups. Since its establishment in 1982, Caritas Guinea-Bissau has built 41 parishes and missions. It leads programs in health, food security, training and emergency response, particularly in rural communities, to benefit people of the older generation.

Community and faith-based initiatives also address elderly poverty and social support in Guinea-Bissau. Ajuda Amiga’s program in Guinea-Bissau manages direct relief programs that distribute food, clothing and medicine to communities in need each year, focusing on elderly citizens who lack pensions or family support.

The Church of the Nazarene in Guinea-Bissau contributes through its mobile clinic initiative, relaunched in 2023. Teams of local and international medical volunteers operate mobile health units that travel to remote areas, offering primary care, vaccinations and health education. Together, these organizations bring humanitarian relief and long-term development by ensuring that elderly citizens receive both care and representation.

Looking Ahead

According to the World Bank, developing Guinea-Bissau’s human capital remains critical to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving long-term sustainable growth. The country must improve access to health care and rural development while creating a national pension system that protects citizens of the older generation. Promoting public awareness about the value of elder care will help citizens recognize support for older generations as both a social and economic responsibility within the country.

– Emmanuel Fagbemide

Emmanuel is based in Winnipeg, Canada and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in Senegal

Elderly poverty in SenegalWhile Senegal has made tremendous improvements in its economic growth within the last decade, many still overlook the issue of elderly poverty. Senegal has experienced strong growth and made strides in reducing general poverty, but older citizens continue to face serious financial hardship. Elderly poverty in Senegal is a challenge the country has faced before, but now it is time to examine it through a different lens and explore what solutions exist.

The Numbers

According to a 2018 World Bank report, only 7% of elderly citizens in Senegal live in extreme poverty. While this statistic brings hope for the elderly community, household numbers create a stark reality.

According to the “Senegal: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper,” roughly 56% of households headed by a person over 60 live in poverty. Although these households make up just 6% of the population, they represent 19% of all households living in poverty. This data highlights that when older people serve as the main providers, the risk of poverty increases significantly.

Life for Older People in Poverty

Elderly poverty in Senegal means relying almost entirely on younger family members for food, shelter and medical bills. When families cannot provide, older adults face hunger, lack of medicine and isolation. 

Formal pension and social insurance coverage remains limited in Senegal, leaving many older people without a steady income, and rural elders face extra hurdles including long travel times to health facilities and transport barriers that reduce their access to care. These barriers prevent many older Senegalese from living independently.

Plan Sésame

To address some of the challenges faced by older citizens, the Senegalese government created Plan Sésame in 2006. This plan was set up as a health coverage program for people aged 60 and over. Plan Sésame aimed to provide free medical care in all the country’s public health facilities. 

The vast majority of elderly people in Senegal do not receive a pension and rely heavily on family members for financial support. Health care costs often compete with other basic needs like food and shelter; this dependence places older people in a vulnerable position, without the resources to make choices about their health. 

While data on exact numbers reached is limited, research suggests thousands of seniors benefit annually from the program, especially in urban areas. Rural elders, however, sometimes face challenges in using the program because of transportation barriers and shortages of medical staff. Expanding Plan Sésame’s reach and ensuring equitable access remain crucial steps.

Economic Growth

Senegal’s economy began to recover in 2021 after the downturn that COVID-19 caused. The country recorded a substantial reduction in poverty due to strong economic performance during the 2010s. Despite challenges such as rising food and energy prices that the war in Ukraine caused, Senegal’s economy remained resilient in 2022. The average GDP growth rate stood at about 5%, and the incidence of poverty fell from 43% to 37.8%. Yet, these improvements have not reached everyone equally. Elders who cannot work or access social safety nets are often left behind, missing out on the benefits of economic growth.

Looking Forward

Senegal has the potential to lift even more citizens out of poverty if it invests further in elderly care. Strengthening Plan Sésame, creating pension schemes for informal workers, and improving transportation to health facilities could give older adults better access to care and independence. Addressing elderly poverty in Senegal is not only a moral responsibility but also a crucial step toward building a more inclusive economy that supports citizens of all ages.

– Arielle Telfort

Arielle is based in Purchase, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Elderly Poverty in Liberia

Elderly Poverty in LiberiaLiberia is located on the Atlantic Coast and borders Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast. Its capital and largest city is Monrovia. Spanning approximately 111,000 square kilometers, Liberia is characterized by flat coastal plains, hills and inland mountains. Situated between 4°N and 8°N latitude, the country experiences a tropical, humid climate throughout the year.

The elderly population in Liberia, defined as those aged 65 and above, comprises approximately 2.8% of the total population, or roughly 147,000 people. Of these, approximately 61% are “young-old” (65–74 years), 23% are “middle-old” (75–84 years), and 16% are “old-old” (85 years and older). More than half (55%) live in rural areas. Many elderly Liberians face significant hardships driven by poverty, limited social safety nets and minimal pension coverage. Most have not worked in the formal sector, leaving them without pension benefits. Many are survivors of prolonged civil conflict and economic hardship, relying heavily on family or community support for survival. Here is more information about elderly poverty in Liberia.

The Plight of Elderly Poverty in Liberia

In exploring the plight of the elderly in Liberia: challenges, social conditions and support initiatives, stories of elderly Liberians reveal harsh realities. Martha Nyemah, aged 96, lost two children to war, and the remaining two left Liberia. Currently, she depends on a distant relative who pushes her in a wheelbarrow to beg on the streets of Monrovia. These examples highlight widespread issues of abandonment, social discrimination and poverty among the elderly in Liberia.

Many elderly people in Liberia experience rejection, accusations of witchcraft and neglect from family or community members. Due to the breakdown of extended family support systems and the absence of comprehensive state welfare programs, most live in poverty or must resort to begging to survive. While some national pension schemes exist, they cover only a small fraction of the elderly, leaving most without financial security.

Context of Elderly Poverty in Liberia

Liberia traditionally values extended family ties, which provide informal care for elders. However, economic hardship and societal shifts are weakening these bonds. The government lacks specific agencies or infrastructure dedicated to elder care, and most seniors are cared for at home by relatives who often lack the necessary resources and skills for proper elderly care. Formal institutions, such as long-term care facilities, are often nonexistent, leaving families and informal networks to provide for aging members.

US Support to Liberia

The United States (U.S.) plays a significant role in addressing some of the challenges faced by the elderly population. The U.S. mainly supports Liberia through humanitarian aid, development assistance and health programs. Over recent years, it has pledged billions of dollars; for the fiscal years of2023 and 2024, aid figures hovered around $167.5 million annually. Agencies such as USAID, the Department of State and military programs provide significant resources.

In 2023, approximately $167.5 million went toward supporting economic development, health care, education and infrastructure. U.S. military hospitals received donations of medical equipment, including endoscopic tools to improve diagnosis and treatment. USAID has historically funded programs targeting malaria, maternal health, HIV/AIDS and community health. However, recent reductions in aid, especially from USAID, have caused setbacks. Shortages of medicines, reduced healthcare services, and disruptions in essential programs like HIV prevention and maternal care have emerged. Community grants from the U.S. embassy aim to support local projects, but the overall decline in aid hampers progress.

Despite ongoing partnerships, funding cuts threaten long-term health and development programs. Nonetheless, efforts to support the elderly in Liberia, including addressing challenges, improving social conditions, and implementing support initiatives, continue with contributions from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as HelpAge International and the National Senior Citizens Federation, which work to improve the lives of older people. These organizations provide health care, nutrition, mobility aids, psychosocial assistance and advocate for the rights of elders — vital in a context where formal elder care infrastructure is lacking.

How GAROP is Addressing Elderly Poverty in Liberia

Liberia faces challenges in caring for its aging population. However, international and local organizations offer hope. Many NGOs and community groups, such as Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP) and HelpAge International, are actively working to enhance the well-being of older adults.

The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP) has supported several concrete projects in Liberia with a focus on advocacy, emergency response and capacity-building for organizations that support older people. GAROP supported the National Old Folks of Liberia, Inc. (NOFOL) to organize a public rally on April 4, 2024. This event brought together elders and advocates to demand the passage of a bill establishing a National Commission for the Elderly and to encourage Liberia’s participation and support of a UN Convention on the Rights of Older People. The rally provided a public platform for elderly Liberians to voice their needs and directly influence policymakers.

GAROP’s collaboration with the Coalition of Caregivers and Advocates for the Elderly in Liberia (COCAEL)—a network of 16 NGOs—has centered on advocacy, ensuring elderly inclusion in national health and social policies, especially during the Ebola and COVID-19 crises. The “Global Fight Against Ageism Project” in Liberia highlighted the exclusion of older people from initial emergency response structures and urged the government to improve representation.

HelpAge International’s Efforts

HelpAge International is working in Liberia by partnering with the Center for Community Advancement and Family Empowerment (CECAFE) to improve the lives of older people through community development, advocacy and service programs. The partnership focuses on building the capacity of communities to better serve vulnerable groups, especially the elderly and organizing national conferences, campaigns and networks to enhance support for older people.

The CECAFE–HelpAge collaboration influenced government policy to include the well-being of older people in national crisis responses, such as the Ebola response and subsequent humanitarian planning, where the needs of the elderly had previously been overlooked.

Distribution campaigns, coordinated through the partnership and the COCAEL network, delivered food, health supplies, and preventive awareness materials to vulnerable elderly people during and after the Ebola outbreak, reaching residents in old folks’ homes and community-dwelling seniors in various parts of Liberia.

Social work students received expanded training and practical internships through CECAFE, building local capacity for professional social support to vulnerable groups, including the elderly. This has created a pipeline of practitioners with direct community service skills.

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, Liberia’s elderly population confronts significant hardships due to poverty, social discrimination, and a lack of formal care systems. However, ongoing international support, particularly from the U.S. and NGOs, helps to address some of these gaps. Greater awareness and targeted efforts are needed to ensure that Liberia’s elders can age with dignity, security and access to essential services.

 – Joan F. Avila

Joan is based in Alexandria, VA, USA, and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Elderly Poverty in the Solomon Islands

Addressing Elderly Poverty in the Solomon Islands The Solomon Islands, a group of 992 islands in the South Pacific near New Guinea and Australia, has a population of more than 800,000. The Solomon Islands and Australia share a long history that has resulted in economic, infrastructural and developmental progress. The island country is vulnerable to natural disasters such as tropical storms, tsunamis and earthquakes, and the region also has active volcanic activity. The islands face food insecurity and malnutrition, with main exports including copra, cocoa and timber. Elderly poverty in the Solomon Islands is an issue that receives little discussion within the country. The country’s poverty rate is 25%, and 80% of the Solomon Islands’ population lives in rural areas.

Nonprofit organizations such as the West ‘Are’ Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA) work to reduce poverty and uplift the social status of women in the Solomon Islands. The government of Australia works closely with the Solomon Islands through Australia’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, aiming to improve the quality of life, boost the economy and strengthen the country’s resilience. With elderly Solomon Islanders being the most vulnerable, assistance from the neighboring country supports healthier outcomes against elderly poverty.

Elderly Population

The elderly population of the Solomon Islands over the age of 65 is 5%. As they are the most vulnerable population, the elderly need as much assistance as possible to continue living their lives with friends and family. Many elderly people are susceptible to noncommunicable diseases such as strokes, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes. The elderly Solomon Islanders in poverty suffer from the lack of basic health care needs, food insecurity, malnutrition and hunger. With a majority of the population living in rural areas in general, the elderly suffer without access to transportation, food or clean water.

Transportation and Health Care

Many Solomon Islanders travel via boat to different islands for work or other necessities. Without access to transportation, the elderly island people have difficulty getting the care they need. In the capital city of Honira, 75% of the doctors work in the National Referral Hospital (NRH), while a majority of the nation’s population lives in rural areas.

NRH is known to be the best hospital in the country because of its access to resources, quality care and accessible location on the main island, Guadalcanal. NRH connects with organizations such as the Australian Volunteer Program to work alongside local hospitals and clinics to provide care to young and elderly patients. Education programs such as the Postgraduate Diploma of Rural Medicine enable provincial doctors to work in rural hospitals and clinics as specialists.

Australia’s Official Development Assistance Program

Australia’s goal in its partnership with the Solomon Islands is to make the country more stable and prosperous. To make this goal possible, the ODA has three objectives. The first objective is creating more job opportunities, building economic growth and infrastructure. The second objective is investing in the Solomon Islands people and communities. Finally, the third objective is improving stability and resilience in the Solomon Islands.

Reducing the Poverty Rate

The Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy (NDS) is a government-led plan to improve the Solomon Islands’ economy, infrastructure, workforce and bring poverty down to 5% by 2035. This long-term plan focuses on “improving the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.” In reducing the poverty rate, the government of the Solomon Islands plans to focus on the basic needs of the native people, such as sanitation, transportation, clean water and food security, increasing employment and job security and resolving gender inequality for women and people with disabilities.

Looking Ahead

Through surrounding countries and island nations, the resources needed to improve elderly poverty in the Solomon Islands are available, though progress comes in steps. Australia’s government provides support through ODA, along with branches of government organizations and nonprofits working alongside the Solomon Islands. The country’s own government has long-term plans to address poverty and is actively taking steps to support even the most vulnerable people, including the elderly. Together, these efforts look to create a path toward lasting progress and a stronger future for the Solomon Islands.

Gene A. Lambey, Jr.

Gene is based in Washington, D.C., USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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In-Home Health Care Strategy: Reducing Elderly Poverty in Norway

Elderly Poverty in NorwayThe Norwegian health care system is often cited as one of the most efficient, accessible and patient-oriented nationwide health services available. In 2024, the Scandinavian country’s universal health care structure earned a number five ranking in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation, a measure the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity uses to assess health care quality for 32 high-income nations.

With world-class infrastructure and prestigious credentials, Norway’s exemplary health care system offers a template for socialized coverage that neighboring countries often look to adopt. Despite its strengths, Norway’s health care system faces challenges that could leave its aging population in the margins. Fortunately, Norway’s ever-advancing welfare technology offers promising solutions. Here are the upcoming challenges older Norwegians face in securing adequate health care and how this relates to old-age poverty in Norway. 

How Norway’s Health Care System Works

Norway’s decentralized health care system allows for a higher degree of municipal management, providing a regionally tailored experience for patients across the country. National and municipal taxes fund Norway’s health care infrastructure: a system of four Regional Health Authorities that cover residents’ health insurance and oversee the country’s 20 hospital trusts.

In 2023, 11% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) accounted for health care spending. As of 2025, around one in 10 Norwegians receives private health insurance. The 2012 Public Health Act reflects Norway’s policy-forward approach to health care by making health a priority in all public service management. A well-integrated blend of national and local oversight for health care services leaves Norwegian residents with a considerable social safety net; however, recent concerns have arisen surrounding the rising costs of sustaining such a system. In particular, elderly poverty in Norway will disproportionately affect the elderly who face low socioeconomic status. 

Strained Health Care Services

As in many other developed countries, Norway’s increasing life expectancy places a significant strain on assisted living facilities that are already understaffed. From 2007 to 2017 alone, demand for nursing services jumped by 18% Per projections, demand could increase in the coming years, as 250,000 more Norwegians older than 80 will add to the country’s population in the next two decades.

Notably, the past decade saw a 37.9% increase in the number of Norwegians ages 67 to 79, a landmark figure. All the while, in the short span from 2015 to 2018, the country’s nursing home availability decreased by 2%. Old age often brings increased vulnerability to isolation and stigma, which can deter individuals from seeking care—heightening risks to both health and financial stability. Unfortunately, discrepancies exist in which Norwegians are most likely to experience these injustices as they age. 

Access to Health Care

Older Norwegians with differing educational attainment and income levels, which are often interdependent, see notable discrepancies in available health care. For example, a difference in life expectancy of up to seven years exists between Oslo’s districts. A 2024 study, highlighting higher mortality rates for elderly patients discharged to under-resourced municipalities, speaks to the social gradient that Norwegian elderly experience. Rural municipalities with populations of 10,000 or fewer, where 17% of Norwegians live, are particularly underserved. Furthermore, a higher educational degree can add four years to the life expectancy of Norwegians 65 or older, compared to those with a lower degree.

Norwegians without a high socioeconomic status may lack the financial stability to afford the costs of living in municipalities with more abundant health care services. Even when they can, only two in five patients living in municipalities with populations of 50,000 or more register for a nursing home within 15 days of requesting one. Clearly, intra-municipality competition for aging services exacerbates regional inequalities in nursing home availability. With such sparse resources, the existing social safety net may not sufficiently protect the country’s aging population from old-age poverty. 

What Elderly Poverty Means for Aging Norwegians

With current levels of competition for nursing home services, elderly poverty in Norway is at risk of increasing in the coming years. As older Norwegians are discharged early from hospitals to underserved municipalities, they may be more likely to require future care. Consistent transitions in and out of hospitals can accumulate costs over time, while the proactive care nursing homes could provide often remains out of reach for elderly people without the means to finance it.

A 2022 study also noted cases in which Norwegian employees took sick leave to care for their elderly parents. Thus, elderly poverty can become generational if aging parents depend on their children to provide the services that municipal health care doesn’t have the bandwidth to. While Norway’s nursing home services are not at a capacity to sustain current and future demand, technological advances in in-home care have the potential to address this shortcoming.

The Path Forward

The future of equal health care and prevention of old-age poverty in Norway is complex, with elderly health care needs differing between rural and urban municipalities. With 38.5% of Norway’s elderly aged 65 and older living alone, local health care services are looking to welfare technology to sustain in-home care as an alternative to nursing homes. Home installments designed to detect signs of distress and enhance autonomy enable older Norwegians to maintain a sense of independence and forgo the transition to a nursing home environment as they age.

While relieving pressure on crowded, assisted living facilities, Norwegian elderly will be able to preserve their financial resources and social networks, promoting personal resilience to otherwise life-disrupting events. In-home aging technology may still be out of reach for some older Norwegians due to socioeconomic discrepancies, but this innovation will play a central role in reducing current and future elderly poverty in Norway.

– Isla Hansen

Isla is based in Spokane, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in Andorra: Navigating a Rapidly Aging Future

Elderly Poverty in AndorraElderly poverty in Andorra poses challenges, but also opens the door for innovation. By focusing on disease prevention, healthy aging and stronger social protections, the country can reduce health care costs while empowering seniors to stay active and valued. This can only be possible with strategic reforms. Andorra is set to lead Europe in building a sustainable, dignified future and demographic change.

Elderly Poverty in Andorra

 In Andorra, about 22% of retirees – people aged 65 and older — are considered at risk of poverty. That is higher than the overall poverty risk of 13%. Without social benefits, the elderly poverty rate could climb nearly 30%.

Several factors contribute to this elevated risk of elderly poverty. One key issue is inequality in the pension system as many long-term contributors receive contributory pensions below the minimum wage (currently around 1,431 euros each month), whereas non-contributory solidarity pensions can be significantly higher—sometimes even three times as much—creating unfair disparities among retirees.      

Experts have predicted that the elderly age group in Andorra will increase at the quickest rate in Europe due to rising life expectancy and falling fertility. In the absence of improvements, Andorra’s health care and pension spending will likely rise 8.8 percentage points of GDP by 2050 compared to 2022. This increase may severely strain state finances, necessitating changes to other spending, an increase in revenue, or a rise in the national debt. Any nation must make these kinds of adjustments, but a microstate like Andorra, which is more prone to shocks, will likely find it especially difficult. 

Health Care in Andorra

In 2022, adults 65 and older made up 15% of Andorra’s population — among the lowest shares in the EU — but the figure is expected to climb to 37% by 2050, the highest among its peers, U.N. data shows. The shares for residents 80 and older is projected to rise from 4% to 13% in the same period, driving up health care costs, as this age group spends more than three times its population share on care, according to CASS.

Early disease detection and prevention can reduce health care costs, especially as Andorra’s growing elderly poverty requires more care. By promoting healthy aging and expanding prevention programs, like routine checks, the country can improve productivity, extend working years, strengthen pensions and limit medical expenses.

Pensions in Andorra

Andorra’s government is proposing a minimum pension for contributory pensions that is equal to the minimum wage to help address elderly poverty. Prerequisites for the pension are that applicants have contributed to it for at least 40 years and have not chosen to retire early.

On June 1, 2025, the Andorran government chose to boost the pension for low-income retirees and raised Social Security pensions that fell below the minimum inter-professional wage by 3.67%. Individuals who have contributed for at least 25 years will qualify for retirement pensions, and widows’ and widowers’ pensions. The government also offers pensions for illnesses related to work, and disability pensions for both occupational and non-occupational accidents. for common work-related illnesses.

The Takeaway

Andorra’s aging population, while challenging, presents an opportunity for reform and growth. By investing in prevention, promoting healthy aging and aligning pensions with the minimum wage, the country can protect vulnerable seniors, lower the risk of elderly poverty in Andorra, reduce health care costs and extend workforce participation. With smart planning, these measures could turn demographic pressures into sustainable and dignified models, positioning Andorra as a leader in adapting to Europe’s demographic shifts. 

– Joshua Pettis

Joshua is based in Houston, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Elderly Poverty in Japan and the Rise of Lonely Deaths

Elderly Poverty in JapanMore than 70,000 lonely deaths occurred all across Japan in 2024. Most were above 65, in poverty and lacking resources for health care. There is evidence of a silent crisis: social isolation, an increase in elderly poverty in Japan and the rise of reports of kodokushi or “lonely death.”

According to a 2024 study by the National Police Agency, the elderly population in Japan makes up 76% of solitary deaths. Experts believe this is a public health emergency with contributions from weak social safety nets and shifts in family structures.

Scope of the Crisis

Living alone is now common for older adults in Japan. The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research reports that 19.4% of seniors age 65 and older currently live alone. This shift reflects Japan’s low birth rate, shrinking family units and increasing urban migration.

According to the World Bank, 30% of Japanese adults are above 65. Experts expect that number to rise, with elderly single households estimated to increase by 47% by 2050. This creates a society where aging in isolation becomes increasingly unavoidable due to limited funds and inadequate elder care infrastructure.

Causes of Lonely Death Among the Elderly

Japan is one of the fastest-aging societies in the world, with 29.1% of its population now aged 65 or older. Meanwhile, multigenerational households are disappearing. Multigenerational households dominated half of Japan’s families in 1980 but shrank to 12.2% by 2015.

Cultural norms previously dictated that children cared for aging parents. But economic pressures, migration and social stigma around dependence have shattered those expectations, creating an increase in elderly poverty in Japan. According to Matthew Penney, almost 20% of Japan’s elderly struggle with relative income poverty.

Loneliness and Isolation

The economic consequences are severe. Elder poverty in Japan is high, almost double the average for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). According to the Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus, most single older women in Japan live below the poverty line. They are also likely to outlive their spouses and suffer in silence rather than ask for help.

These women are extremely vulnerable. Many of them have no pension or savings because they spent most of their lives as homemakers. Social isolation further compounds the problem. A white paper from Japan’s Cabinet Office confirms the rise in levels of loneliness among seniors, proving that isolation increases the risk of both depression and death.

Promising Solutions

To address the crisis of social isolation, the Japanese government funds new programs such as dementia cafés. These cafés are part of The New Orange Plan, designed to foster connection and reduce loneliness. There is also considerable development in community centers to intervene early on.

Local organizations, such as the Zero Isolation Project, are advocating for more robust volunteer programs and increased awareness campaigns. Offering services that include volunteer visits and support services, Japan is banding together to help the elderly population feel less alone.

Final Remarks

Addressing Japan’s elderly crisis provides a global model for aging care and preventative measures. When governments take action to support the elderly poor, they ensure people have the resources they need to feel safe and supported. 

– Nicole Fernandez

Nicole is based in Reno, NV, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr