We are reporting from the World Economic Forum this week where HelpAge CEO, Richard Blewitt, will be addressing the issue of global ageing and rights of older people at two sessions. With a rapidly ageing population and a wide range of ramifications, global ageing will alter the way developed and developing societies function. It is essential that policy-makers and leaders plan adequately for the changes ahead.

Over three million people, including 200,000 older people were affected by the Haiti earthquake of 12 January 2010. Since the earthquake, HelpAge has provided 25,000 older people and their families with food, cash, essential basic items, shelter and, mobility aids. We have also distributed Tough Stuff kits, which contain solar-powered radios and lamps. However, two years later and despite the huge efforts from various actors, the lives of thousands of older Haitians have not improved. Older people still face discrimination and remain largely excluded from the relief work.

As world population reaches seven billion (October 31), HelpAge International applaud the United Nations Population Fund, (State of the World Population, 2011) for dispelling harmful myths about ageing.

On Saturday, October 1st, people around the world celebrated the UN International Day of Older Persons and the fifth year of HelpAge's Age Demands Action campaign to support older people's rights and stop age discrimination.

Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as cancers, dementia and diabetes are commonly thought of as "diseases of affluence". In reality four-fifths of deaths from NCDs are in low- and middle-income countries and older people in developing countries are particularly at risk.