The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs released a report which focused on the prevalence of poverty among adults aged more than 60. The report states, “In most countries, the risk of poverty increases with age.” This is especially the case for older women and older people with disabilities.

Elderly poverty affects many seniors. War intensifies this in Ukraine. Since the beginning of Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, the rights of older people have been threatened. Seniors in Ukraine have been struggling to gain access to necessities such as food, water and hygienic facilities, all the while coping with the loss of their homes and loved ones. While temporary shelters dedicated to the care of elders have been opened, many of them are inaccessible to those with disabilities, causing many to be turned away. Now, more than ever, older people in Ukraine need aid and “HelpAge International” has made helping them its priority.

Seniors in Ukraine Lack Access to Necessities

It was reported that 56% of older people in Ukraine could not cover the cost of their basic needs, such as food, water, clothes and health care expenses. The cost of living in Ukraine has increased by 27% since the beginning of the conflict. This has only exacerbated the constraints of elderly poverty on Ukraine’s older demographic.

HelpAge International, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of older people worldwide, has sprung into action to combat these issues. More than 14,000 older adults in Ukraine have received monetary assistance from HelpAge. The distributed funds were enough to cover the cost of necessities for three months. On top of this, HelpAge distributed 20,000 hygiene kits and 39,000 food kits to people in Ukraine, which helped alleviate some of the stress brought on by the war and elderly poverty.

Assistance for Seniors With Disabilities in Ukraine

Many Ukrainian seniors with disabilities are facing unique challenges. Due to transportation difficulties, it has become harder for them to evacuate during emergencies. Even after they have been relocated to safer areas of Ukraine, older people with disabilities still struggle to access housing and health care services. There have been reports that many refugee shelters lack ramps, making them inaccessible to individuals who use wheelchairs and thus, they have to be turned away.

HelpAge International has taken the steps to mitigate these issues. Nearly 7,600 older people with disabilities have received assistive products such as canes, toilet chairs, walkers and crutches through the organization. The nonprofit also helped initiate the conversation about the importance of accessible environments. Victoriia Panchenko, a leader within the organization, said HelpAge was happy “to contribute to long-term solutions that will make the environment accessible and age-inclusive and services more adapted to (older people’s) diverse needs.”

Mental Health

The mental impacts of war are difficult to cope with, especially for older people. About 55% of older people in Ukraine reported that the war had an emotional effect on them. They cite reasons such as loneliness, isolation and the loss of loved ones. To provide older people in Ukraine with mental health support, HelpAge International supports numerous community safe spaces across Ukraine. These safe spaces help older people come together and get support for their unique circumstances. They receive psychosocial and legal counseling as well as socialization services.

Conclusion

Elderly poverty can be difficult to navigate, especially during a time of conflict. Right now, older people in Ukraine desperately need humanitarian aid. Thankfully, HelpAge International has provided them with various assistance, from financial to mental health support. There is still a lot to be done as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

– Kimber Peters
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