China
Working closely with partners, we promote financial security, healthcare, support and dignity for older people, especially in rural areas of Western China.
Our three-year project across 16 villages in the north-western Shaanxi Province tackles the poverty and health issues often faced by older people.
As part of this project, we set up older people's associations to reduce isolation and build support networks. These are now thriving and are a vital way of bringing older people and the community together.
The difference we made in 2009-10
- We have provided psychological support in Sichuan province where many older people are still affected by the 2008 earthquake.
- We have worked with the China National Committee on Ageing to help local governments plan for the impact of rapid ageing.
- We have provided small grants, social activities and health advice through our Sponsor A Grandparent programmes in Sichuan and Hunan provinces.
What next?
- In partnership with the Shaanxi Provincial Committee on Ageing, we will support the livelihoods of 900 older people and their families in poor villages.
- We will try out a project to provide care at home for frail older people in Shaanxi.
- We will find ways to help poor older people look after their health better.
Our partners
The China National Committee on Ageing, Shaanxi, Sichuan and Hunan Provincial Committees on Ageing, Sichuan University