Latin America

We work with more than 28 affiliates and partners in Latin America.

We help older women and men claim the healthcare, pensions, employment and other benefits that are rightfully theirs. We make sure that everyone knows about the amazing contributions that older Latin Americans make to their societies.

Our projects help thousands of older people live decent, active and healthy lives.

Where we work in Latin America

We work in:

Bolivia

Colombia

Peru

The difference we made in 2010-2011

• In Bolivia, more than 13,000 older people have joined the health insurance system in La Paz; this number represents 53% of the total adult population.
• In Cali, Colombia we provided legal advice to 2,900 displaced people including 380 older people, to help them access state services - for example registering as displaced so they can receive government aid and health services.
• We advocated for a non-contributory pension in Peru and a law is now pending in Parliament.
• Through our work and advocacy in Peru, more than 15,000 people are now affiliated to the National Association of Older People (ANAMPER).

The difference we made in recent years

• Our socio-legal centre in Bolivia has helped around 10,000 older people get the social benefits they are entitled to, such as a pension.

• Through our strong relationship with UNASUR, (Unión de Naciones Sudamericanas), eight Latin American governments have agreed to assess their social benefit systems and invest in a better future for the region.

• Thousands of older people in Peru are earning a better income, through activities such as guinea pig farming.

• Hundreds of displaced older people in Colombia now have temporary homes and are receiving legal advice, health checks and counselling from HelpAge and our partners.

What next?

• We will do our utmost to ensure the commitments made by governments become a reality.

• We will train 200 older people in Bolivia and Peru to become part of a special emergency brigade to take care of other older people in emergencies.

• A network in 14 countries will ensure older people's voices are heard in the Madrid+10 review process and in the debate about a UN convention on older people's rights.