Presented by: HelpAge International
Date and time: 12:30 – 14:00 – Tuesday 15 April, 2008

HelpAge International is a global network of not-for-profit organisations with a mission to work with and for disadvantaged older people worldwide to achieve economic and physical security; healthcare and social services; and support in their care giving role across the generations. Their aims are to bring lasting improvement to the quality of life of the poorest and most vulnerable older people; to encourage institutional development of local NGOs working with and for older people; to heighten public awareness of ageing issues; and to advocate the inclusion of older people in development policies and programmes, especially in the areas of poverty alleviation and HIV/AIDS.

• Demography and Disasters
  Speaker: Mark Gorman, HelpAge International
• Addressing the Health Needs of Older People in Developing Countries
  Speaker: Bill Gray, HelpAge International
• Social Protection and Emergencies
  Speaker: Sylvia Belaes, HelpAge International

The world is rapidly ageing – whilst this is one of the world’s greatest achievements it also presents significant humanitarian challenges. The fastest ageing regions of the world are Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean – regions which are also especially prone to natural disasters, yet current humanitarian policy and practice fails to sufficiently take older people into account. Policy makers are beginning to recognize the global social protection and health challenges that growing numbers of older people will present. The impact of climate change, for example out-migration of young people from rural areas, has profound consequences for the adaptive capacities of those left behind and the changing social fabric of communities. A more inclusive analysis of the skills and vulnerabilities of all age groups is essential if humanitarian actors are to be prepared for some of the challenges ahead. The seminar was be chaired by Randolph Kent and include three sessions: