Operation Compassion Reaches Elderly Populations
Today, almost 10% of the global population is over the age of 60 and by 2050 this figure is expected to double to 20%. Although population ageing has the potential to affect human development, there is still little debate on the economic and social impact. This lack of attention to the elderly is significant because ageing, for the great majority in many countries, is accompanied by increased poverty.
Around the world, there are 197 million older people who live in poverty while some 80% of older people in developing countries have no regular income. More people over the age of 60 die each year from malnutrition, respiratory diseases and tuberculosis than any other age group, including children aged 0-14. Yet, the older poor remain largely sidelined by their governments and unreached by most development aid.
“One of the fundamental objectives of Operation Compassion from the very beginning was to reach the elderly poor around the world. During this time, Operation Compassion has sent containers with thousands of pounds of relief goods for this singular purpose,” stated David Lorency, president of Operation Compassion.
Over the years, Operation Compassion has sent food, bottled water, clothing, shoes, medical supplies and equipment for medical and dental clinics, building supplies and equipment to build homes, clinics and community centers as well as prescription glasses. This effort was to help reach the elderly in order to improve their living conditions.
By donating to Operation Compassion individuals, churches and organizations can impact many lives. Visit www.operationcompassion.org, call 423.728.3932, or mail your donations to: Operation Compassion, 114 Stuart Road, NE, Suite 370, Cleveland, TN 37312.
