HelpAge Asia

The 5th AgeTalk – HelpAge Korea
2015-10-12 | Unesco Hall, Seoul, Republic of Korea
The 5th AgeTalk – HelpAge Korea
Date: 12 October 2015
Venue: Unesco Hall, Seoul, Republic of Korea

HelpAge International, HelpAge Korea and the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRC) held the 5thAgeTalk on October 12th, 2015 at Unesco Hall.
The rankings of the Republic of Korea in the Global AgeWatch Index have been a hot issue due to its low status compared to the country’s high economic level. The event was prepared to discuss the reality of the current welfare level of Korean older people and global and Korean social pension system in terms of human rights of older persons.

Mr. Toby Porter, CEO of HelpAge International, explained the purpose and meaning of the Global AgeWatch Index including the result of Korea.
Professor Hye-ji Choi from Social Welfare division of Seoul Women’s University presented ‘The implementation of the Global AgeWatch Index result to Korea’. Utilizing domestic statistics results, Prof. Choi emphasized that the result of the index is not far from the reality of Korean older people’s life.
Ms. Usa Khiewrod, the Regional Programme Manager of East Asia Pacific Regional Office of HelpAge International addressed the importance of social pensions as income security in old age should be a concern of all ages not about vulnerable group only, and social security in old age is a human right.
Professor Eun-sun Ju from Social Welfare division of Kyunggi University pointed out how the social pension schemes of Korea should be developed and the most urgent issue of Korean social pension scheme is to delinkage with National Pension and Basic Pension.
Agendas for the future from the 5th AgeTalk:

The amount of Basic Pension of Korea should be reached to the relevant level to live
The government should guarantee all the medical expenses of older persons as the major expenditure of Korean older people are spending their money on health care
Expansion of the coverage of medical insurance can deliver greater benefits than increasing incomes of older persons

Lastly, Mr. Porter kindly asked to members of Older People’s Self-Help Group who were participated at the event, and said to the audiences “You will become older someday like these amazing ladies. Old age is all our business!”

NACSCOM/HelpAge International Regional Symposium: “Income Security of Older Persons in an Ever-changing World”
2015-10-11 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
NACSCOM/HelpAge International Regional Symposium: “Income Security of Older Persons in an Ever-changing World”
Date: 11 October 2015
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

On occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the National Council of Senior Citizens Organizations Malaysia (NACSCOM), NACSCOM in collaboration with HelpAge International is organising the Regional Symposium: “Income Security of Older Persons in an Ever-changing World”. This Symposium aims to discuss various issues related to financial security of people in the later life, especially considering the challenges of rapid aging. It also highlights the situation of older people in Malaysia and some policy recommendations.
This symposium is co-funded by NACSCOM and HelpAge International under its project on Strengthening the CSO Network on Ageing as a development partner in Southeast Asia funded by the European Union.

Social transfer programmes 2015
2015-10-05 - 2015-10-16 | Chiang Mai, Thailand
Social transfer programmes 2015
Date: 5-16 October 2015
Venue: Chiang Mai, Thailand

The course “Designing and Implementing Social Transfer Programmes” will be held once again this year from 5-16 October 2015, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This dynamic two-week course aims at providing policy makers, government officials and practitioners with an in depth understanding of the conceptual and practical issues involved in the development of social transfer programmes.
HelpAge works together with the Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) to offer this course in partnership with UNU-Maastrict and the Institute of Development Studies.
For more information, please contact Ms Caitlin Littleton at asiacourse@helpageasia.org

Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda (SUN) Awards
2015-10-04 | Philippine Heart Center, Quezon City.
Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda (SUN) Awards
Date: 4 October 2015
Venue: Philippine Heart Center, Quezon City.

The Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. (COSE) organised the 25th Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda Awards on 04 October 2015 at Dr. Aventura Hall, Philippine Heart Center, East Avenue, Quezon City.
This annual event recognises exemplary and inspiring contributions of ten Filipino elderly from different areas in the country.
Read the programme here.

Asia-Pacific Social Protection week (APSP 2016)
2015-08-01 - 2015-08-05 | Manila, Philippines
Asia-Pacific Social Protection week (APSP 2016)
Date: 1 – 5 August 2016
Location: Manila, Philippines

This regional conference will feature recent issues affecting social protection in developing economies and showcase successful stories from countries with advanced social protection systems. APSP 2016 will tackle the relevance of social protection in the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the need for financing comprehensive social protection systems. The week-long event will also touch on emerging areas of social protection that are not yet widely discussed like social protection for informal workers and the role of ICT in social protection delivery.
For more information, visit http://www.adb.org/news/events/asia-pacific-social-protection-week-2016

The sixth session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) in New York
2015-07-14 - 2015-07-26 | New York, the United States
The sixth session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) in New York
Date: 14-16 July 2015
Venue: New York, the United States

The sixth session of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on Ageing was held in New York from 14-16 July 2015. The working group was set up in 2010 to discuss the proposals for the content of a new convention to protect older people’s rights.
Older people have been campaigning for their governments to engage in the OEWG process since 2010. A new UN convention would provide governments with a legal framework, guidance and support to help them end discrimination and protect people’s rights in old age. HelpAge has been actively engaging and working to ensure that older people have been a part of this process.
The older activist, Ms. Pham Tuyet Nhung from Vietnam, attended to deliver a statement in support of a new convention. Mr. Edward Gerlock, the Founding Member of Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE) from the Philippines, was also invited to be a speaker at the older persons, humanitarian and disaster emergencies session.
HelpAge also made a number of statements throughout the meeting.

Read statements and report:
Statement by Ms. Pham Tuyet Nhung, Vietnam Association for the Elderly (VAE)
Statement by Mr. Do Hung Viet, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Report from Mr Edward Gerlock, Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE) from the Philippines.

International Federation on Ageing – 13th Global Conference
2015-06-21 - 2015-06-23 | Brisbane, Australia
International Federation on Ageing – 13th Global Conference
Date: 21-23 June 2016
Place: Brisbane, Australia

The Conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from Tuesday 21 – Thursday 23 June 2016. The program will continue to advance IFA’s agendas in Age-friendly Cities and Communities, Aged Care, Elder Abuse and Income Protection as well as focusing on Disasters in an Ageing World. The Conference will incorporate international keynote speakers, oral presentations, posters, exhibition and social events.
For more information on the conference, please visit http://ifa2016.org.au/

Video secondment for communication officers
2015-06-15 - 2015-06-26 | Chiang Mai, Thailand
Video secondment for communication officers
Date: 15-26 June 2015
Venue: Chiang Mai, Thailand

This secondment is part of the EU-funded project “Strengthening the CSO Network on Ageing as a Development Partner in Southeast Asia” and hosted by Foundation for Older Persons’ Development (FOPDEV).
The participants from the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam will spend 2 weeks in Chiang Mai, Thailand to learn video production.
FOPDEV will lead the secondment and share their skillful experience on Media work with the participants. The fundamental knowledge, concept, workflow and skills needed for producing attractive presentation and video will be presented. Based on the learning-by-doing approach, the participants will have a chance to experiment the software, practice and develop a short video.

ROK-ASEAN Regional Conference on Community-based Services for Older Persons
2015-05-26 - 2015-05-29 | Siem Reap, Cambodia
Date: 26-29 May 2015
Venue: Siem Reap, Cambodia
The proportion and number of population of older persons in ASEAN has been increasing consistently due to rising life expectancy and falling fertility rates. With this increasing ageing population, there is a growing need for welfare and health services for older persons because of vulnerability and chronic diseases in old age.
To respond to the needs of ASEAN Member Countries, HelpAge Korea has implemented a project titled “Community based Services for Older Persons” since July 2013. The project aims to develop community-based service model in collaboration with a focal point of partner organisations in CLMV countries and to contribute to regional efforts in addressing care and support needs of older people suffered from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
As the project will come to an end in June 2015, HelpAge Korea in collaboration with HelpAge EAPRO will hold a regional conference on community-based services for older persons on 26-29 May 2015 in Cambodia.The conference will cordially invite one representative from Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and NGO each in 10 ASEAN Member Countries. The main objectives are to share the outcomes of the above-mentioned regional project implementation with 10 ASEAN Member Countries and to develop policy recommendations on Community based Services for Older Persons.

ASEAN Active Ageing 2015
2015-05-22 - 2015-05-24 | Bangkok, Thailand
ASEAN Active Ageing 2015
Date: 22-24 May 2015
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand

The Thai Red Cross Society and Chulalongkorn University will organise the 3rd National Conference on Ageing and Elderly under the them “ASEAN Active Ageing 2015″ from 22 to 24 May 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The conference objectives are:

To update knowledge and understanding on bio-medical and social sciences and integrative issues on ageing
To discuss the use and application of knowledge, research and study results, experiences, technology and innovation to improving services and quality of life of the elderly
To share models, lessons learned and policy recommendations on preparing and developing an Ageing Society in Thailand and ASEAN+ countries (ASEAN countries plus others such as China, Japan and Republic of Korea, etc.)
To promote engagement of all sectors including elderly for development of Ageing Society and the elderly

There will be 4 plenary sessions and 52 parallel sessions. The presentations will range from knowledge, research findings and studies to lessons-learned, experiences, policy recommendations, models and example programs from academicians, researchers, students, leaders of different levels and sectors, executives/administrators, practitioners, stakeholders, concerned parties and the elderly.
For more information, please visit http://ageing.md.chula.ac.th/2015/ or email to ageingconference@chula.ac.th

Capacity Building Support to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare: Study Tour to Vietnam
2015-05-18 - 2015-05-22 | Hanoi, Vietnam
Date: 18 -22 May 2015
Venue: Hanoi, Vietnam
A number of countries in ASEAN, including Vietnam, have initiated new social protection policies and programmes which are generating new learning on best practice for implementing social protection in low- and middle-income countries.
The Laos Social Protection Conference, which was hosted by the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (GOL) in February, has created more interest social protection issue among relevant government agencies. Two speakers from the government agency and academic institute in Vietnam participated in the event and shared the Vietnam experience. Laos and Vietnam have already been in regular exchange learning on different policy issues .The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW) is now keen to further learn and discuss the social protection with the government of Vietnam, and to apply to development of social protection in the country.
Learning through sharing experience between countries is one of the most effective ways for capacity building on different areas of development. Therefore, a series of study tour on social protection to ASEAN countries and beyond was included as one of the key activities to enhance capacity on social protection strategy for GoL staff, and the first one is a visit to Vietnam.
The study tour aims to provide an opportunity for GoL staff to expose and learn about different social protection policies and programmes in Vietnam. It will focus on non-contributory social assistance and productive safety nets in the context of a life cycle approach. This is because it is relatively underdeveloped in Laos, and Vietnam has wealth of experience to share.

2015-04-27 | Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
COSE nomination to ASEAN Leaders Interface
Date: 27 April 2015
Venue: Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will organise the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Youth representatives during the 26th ASEAN Summit, to be held on 27 April 2015 in Kuala Lampur.
The Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) has been invited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to attend the meeting as the Philippine CSO representative, on behalf of older people. COSE will be the one of 10 NGOs in a 30 minute meeting with the heads of state.
Congratulations on COSE’s nomination!

Expert Group Meeting on the Development of Older People’s Association
2015-03-25 08:00 - 2015-03-26 17:00 UTC | Hotel Santika Premiere, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Date: 25-26 March 2015
Venue: Hotel Santika Premiere, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), in collaboration with Yayasan Emong Lansia and HelpAge International will conduct an Expert Group Meeting on the Development of Older People’s Association. The meeting is intended to strengthen Indonesia’s national social protection policy and to support the drafting process of the 2015-2019 National Action Plan for Older People.
The meeting will cover the following topics:

Older People’s Policy Direction in the National Midterm Development Plan 2015-2019
Long-Term Care Policy and Services for the Elderly in East Asia, Options for Indonesia to Consider
Older People’s-Related Policy Analysis in Indonesia
National Older People’s Movement and Its Network
CSOs & OPAs in Indonesia
Options for Indonesia
Further Plans and Steps

The HelpAge Intergenerational Self-Help Club model which is successfully implemented in Vietnam will be also shared.

The 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
2015-03-14 - 2015-03-18
The 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

The 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) will be held from 14 to 18 March 2015 in Sendai City, Japan. Several thousand participants are expected, including at related events linked to the World Conference under the umbrella of building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters.
The United Nations General Assembly Resolution for 2013 on International Strategy for Disaster Reduction states that the World Conference will result in a concise, focused, forward-looking, and action-oriented outcome document and will have the following objectives:

To complete assessment and review of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action;
To consider the experience gained through the regional and national strategies/institutions and plans for disaster risk reduction and their recommendations as well as relevant regional agreements within the implementation of the Hyogo Framework of Action;
To adopt a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction;
To identify modalities of cooperation based on commitments to implement a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction;
To determine modalities to periodically review the implementation of a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.

Delegates from HelpAge International are going to attend and advocate for inclusion of older people in to the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. Along with participation in the exhibition and World Bank session with older people from Japan and Philippines, we are going to officially launch the first Disaster Risk and Age Index, ranking 190 countries across the world on the disaster risk faced by older people, on the IGNITE stage.

For more information of the WCDRR, please visit the conference website.
For information on Disaster Risk and Age Index, please visit our press release.

ASEAN+3: Are We Ready for Our Ageing Society?
2015-03-03 - 2015-03-05 | Chiang Mai, Thailand
Date: 3-5 March 2015
Venue: Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Office of Promotion and Protection of Children, Youth, the Elderly and Vulnerable Groups (OPP) Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, (MSDHS), Thailand will conduct the regional workshop on “ASEAN+3: Are We Ready for Our Ageing Society?” at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The workshop aims to learn and share knowledge and experiences on the situation of older people, policies, good practices and the implementations, challenges and ways forward for ASEAN+3 countries as well as to develop guidelines and initiatives on elderly cooperation among ASEAN+3 community.

Community-based social care: What is the role of the state?
2015-01-27 - 2015-01-28 | Bangkok, Thailand
Date: 27-28 January 2015
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand
HelpAge East Asia and Pacific Regional Office in collaboration with the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand will organised a regional workshop entitled “Community-based social care: What is the role of the state?” in Bangkok, Thailand. This event is supported by the European Union.
The aim of this regional workshop is to stimulate the discussion on the role of government in promoting community-based care for older people with an emphasis on social care.
At least 50 participants from East and Southeast Asia are expected, the majority from government but others representing civil society, academia and international agencies.

For more information please contact Ms Usa Khiewrord
usa@helpageasia.org
+66 (0) 53 225440

For summary of the event, agenda and presentations, click here

Community Driven Development training for development practitioners
2015-01-12 - 2015-01-16 | Hanoi, Vietnam
Community Driven Development training for development practitioners
Date: 12-16 January 2015
Venue: Hanoi, Vietnam

HelpAge Vietnam country office (HAIV) will organise a one-week capacity building programme entitled “Community Driven Development (CDD) training for development practitioners” for better understanding of various approaches to community-drivern development.
The core methodologies and development strategies used in the training course focus on practical and doable individual, community and organisational level development skill and people friendly tools as a crucial base for the CDD training programme. Field exposure visits to HAIV community development programmes deepen understanding of how CDD concepts are applied and achieve practical and sustainable results.

Regional Expert Consultation on Long-term Care of Older Persons
2014-12-09 - 2014-12-10 | United Nations Conference Center, Bangkok, Thailand
Regional Expert Consultation on Long-term Care of Older Persons
Date: 9-10 December 2014
Venue: United Nations Conference Center, Bangkok, Thailand

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is organizing a Regional Expert Consultation on Long-term Care of Older Persons, 9-10 December 2014, in Bangkok, Thailand. The Consultation is being organized in the context of a project implemented in partnership with the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, and builds upon the outcomes of the Asia-Pacific Expert Group Meeting on Long-Term Care held in Shanghai in December 2013.
Read more detail and concept note: http://www.unescapsdd.org/events/regional-expert-consultation-long-term-care-older-persons

COSE 25th anniversary
2014-11-30 | St. Paul University Theater, Quezon City, Metro Manila, the Philippines
COSE 25th anniversary
Date: 30 November 2014
Venue: St. Paul University Theater, Quezon City, Metro Manila, the Philippines

Heart unwrinkled: 25 years of growing in age and grace
Established in November 1989, the Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. (COSE) is the only non-government organisation working with poor older people in urban and rural areas in the Philippines.
Believing in the importance of older people in the community to share their experiences and wisdom, and to teach us all about our own ageing, COSE works to ensure that older people remain active in the community, thereby enabling to continue contributing to the welfare of the greater society.
This year, COSE is now on its 25th year. To celebrate this remarkable journey, COSE will organise an annual event ‘The Elderly Filipino Week’ on 30 November 2014. The celebration provides a timely opportunity for the organization to honour 10 outstanding older people in the Philippines through a programme called Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda (SUN). This is to recognise the important contributions of older persons to society. SUN awardees have been chosen from different sectors, including those of farmers, women, disabled persons and tribe members, who, one way or another, have rendered exemplary service to their respective communities.
The ceremony will also feature other 15 awardees from different sectors, including 5 each from the local government, who have been exemplary in addressing the issues of the elderly, 5 from media for their promotion of the issues and rights of the elderly, and an additional 5 special awards.
As part of the 25th Anniversary celebration, COSE continues to arrange a series of activities in January next year:

Intergenerational Fun Run “Young ones for the young once” – Flock of students with their grandma and grandpa will hit the road as the event seeks to partner with colleges and universities in the metro. It will provide opportunities for intergenerational learning and promoting activities that foster stronger family ties.
Photo Exhibition – Internationally recognized Filipino photographer, Rick Rocamora, offered his considerable skills to interpret the 25 year event. The exhibition will feature a sampling of thousands of older people, who late in life both shared and received the singular grace of service.

KOICA Lesson Learned Workshop for year-end 2014 in Myanmar
2014-11-08 - 2014-11-09 | Kayin Baptist Church, Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Region, Myanmar
Date: 8-9 December 2014
Venue: Kayin Baptist Church, Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Region, Myanmar
Year-end review workshop was held for two days (8-9 December 2014) at Kayin Baptist Church, Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Region. The total 45 OPSHG members from KOICA project, NSA project (MYA 038), and National Federation representatives attended the workshop for sharing the sustainability of OPSHG.
The target topics of the whole workshop discussion are Livelihoods, IGV/Fundraising, Health, Participation of women and monthly meeting, the role of TNCs, and the sustainability of OPSHG highlighting on three main sectors: Achievements, Challenges, and Ways to overcome. There was parallel discussion for each pair of topics among 6 groups (3 groups for livelihoods and 3 groups for IGV at the same time) and group presentation came out of respective teams. All the feedbacks from each presentation were revised for the next year action plan at the end of the workshop and those recommendations from OPSHG were more likely to be practical.
There was a better together session in which sample movie clip of Vietnamese OPA’s monthly meeting and learning Korean physical exercises were organised by Ms. Jiweon Lee (HAK). After wrapped up and evaluation, the fruitful outcomes of this workshop was visible to all the participants for their upcoming year plan.

Winning the fight against poverty and inequality – a Social Protection Floor for everyone
2014-11-04 - 2014-11-06 | European Parliament, Brussel, Belgium
Winning the fight against poverty and inequality – a Social Protection Floor for everyone
Date: 4-6 November 2014
Venue: European Parliament, Brussel, Belgium

SOLIDAR roundtable Debate “Winning the fight against poverty and inequality – a Social Protection Floor for everyone”

In June 2012, the ILO Recommendation No. 202 concerning National Floors of Social Protection was unanimously adopted by the global community. Through it, governments have committed to ensure universal access to essential services and protection against the risks of sickness, unemployment, poverty, etc. Yet, today, more than 70 per cent of the world population is not adequately covered by social protection.
With this background, in the framework of the Universal Social Protection Advocacy Tour, SOLIDAR is organising a Round Table Debate titled “Winning the fight against poverty and inequality: a Social Protection Floor for everyone”.
Usa Khiewrord, Regional Programme Manager from HelpAge East Asia and Pacific Regional Office, was invited to participate in the Universal Social Protection Advocacy Tour, organized by Solidar, Brot fur die Welt (Bread for the World) and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Universal (FES), at the European Parliament in Brussels from 3rd to 6th November 2014.
The Roundtable debate was a series of bi-lateral meetings between the EU officials, the government representatives, and the delegates from 8 countries from different regions, including Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, Zambia, Argentina, India, Philippines, and Thailand.
This November the newly elected European Parliament and the European Parliament will be in place. Therefore, the tour aimed to raise awareness among EU decision makers about the role of Social protection floors to fight inequalities. On top of that, the focus was to recommend concrete actions EU decision makers can take to support the full implementation of the International Labour Organisation Recommendation No. 202 (R202) and the European Commission (EC) Communication on Social Protection in EU Development Cooperation.
On 4th November, during the debate whether social protection matters in development cooperation, Usa was requested to present the universal social pensions based on the Thailand scheme. (presentation attached), which is one of the world’s breakthrough success cases of universal social pension.
The European Union is providing support to our partner FOPDEV for a project title “Building capacity for promoting older people’s rights and income security in Thailand”, with an objective to strengthen capacity of civil society to promote consolidation and expansion of the right to income security for marginalised and vulnerable older people in Thailand.

International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) – Resilience is for life!
2014-10-13 | Worldwide
International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) – Resilience is for life!
Date: 13 October 2014
Venue: Worldwide

13 October is the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) and also the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management (ADDM). It is a day to celebrate how people and communities are reducing their risk of disasters and to promote a global culture of disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.
In 2014, the theme of IDDR is older people, and celebrations will focus on resilience and ageing populations. It will highlight the need for a more inclusive approach for older people in disaster risk reduction, and recognise the critical role that older people can play in resilience-building through their experience and knowledge. HelpAge International is partnering with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) to celebrate IDDR 2014.
Visit UNISDR website for more information.

International Day for Older Persons was celebrated in Lao P.D.R.
2014-10-07 | Boulykhamxay, Lao P.D.R.
International Day for Older Persons was celebrated in Lao P.D.R.
Date: 7 October 2014
Venue: Boulykhamxay, Lao P.D.R.

Lao Women’s Union (LWU) organised a public event in Boulykhamxay province to celebrate the 2014 International Day for Older Persons on the 7th October. It aimed to raise awareness of concerned agencies and the public about the importance of community-based approach in addressing the care needs of older people.
The enthusiastic crowd of around 600 people including representatives from LWU, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health, HelpAge Korea (HAK), HelpAge International and older and younger people from Boulykhamxay province gathered early in the morning. The President of LWU in the province welcomed the participants. The speech of the representative from HelpAge Korea stressed that the majority of older people continue to contribute to thier families and communities. However, there are older people who are frail and/or suffer from chronic illnesses, and need to be cared for. The participants joined a group exercise to show the unity and remind that a regular exercise is one the main ingredients for achieving healthy ageing.The print materials were distributed, which included the brochure providing key information on ageing population, non-communicable diseases, care needs of older people and how to address through community-based approach.
The highlight was the joint ribbon cutting of LWU and HAK to officially marked the celebration. The banner says “Let’s care for older people in the community” with a huge bunch of balloons in white and pink went off to the sky and cheered by all attending the event.
The atmosphere and activities were captured by the LWU communication team and will be aired on the national TV and also be covered in the provincial newspaper and monthly newspaper of LWU to reach wider audiences. The event is part of “the regional ROK-ASEAN community-based service for older people”, coordinated by HelpAge Korea in collaboration with HelpAge International, with financial support of ROK-ASEAN Cooperation Fund. It is implemented in Laos by LWU in partnership with Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and Ministry of Health. The project in Lao P.D.R focuses on raising awareness and building capacity of concerned agencies.

To visit photo gallery, click here.

Social Transfer Course: Designing and Implementing Social Transfer programmes
2014-10-06 - 2014-10-17 | Chiang Mai, Thailand
Social Transfer Course: Designing and Implementing Social Transfer programmes
Date: 6-17 October 2014
Venue: Chiang Mai, Thailand

“Designing and Implementing Social Transfer programmes”
a course for policy makers, government officials and practitioners around the world.
Around the world, developing countries are increasingly recognising the value of social transfer programmes in reducing extreme poverty, with success stories in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) and HelpAge International, together with the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) are offering a two-week course including a number of specialised modules aimed at providing participants with an in-depth understanding of the conceptual and practical issues involved in the development of social transfer programmes. Participants will acquire tools required for the appropriate identification and successful design and implementation of these programmes.
The course aims to build the capacity of government policymakers and officials, representatives from bilateral and multilateral agencies, programme practitioners and staff members from non-governmental organisations. The course will serve those who want to more effectively design, implement and manage social transfer programmes with the goal of reducing poverty and better achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
A team of international experts, skilled professionals and leaders in the field will teach the course. The certificated course will be jointly accredited by the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, the Economic Policy Research Institute and HelpAge International.

Information and application:

Download Social Transfer Course brochure, click here.
Applications can also be completed online.
Please see EPRI’s website for details: www.epri.org.za

For more information, please contact:
Caitlin Littleton, Course Registration Manager
asiacourse@helpageasia.org

Launch of Global AgeWatch Index 2014
2014-10-01 | Worldwide
Launch of Global AgeWatch Index 2014
Date: 1 October 2014
Venue: Worldwide

HelpAge International will be launching the Global AgeWatch Index 2014 on 1 October 2014, which is the only index measuring the quality of life and the social and economic wellbeing of older people in 96 countries, representing 91% of older people globally. In a world in which the number of older people will more than double by 2050, the Index puts a spotlight on how different countries are responding to people’s right to a secure income in later life.
The East Asia and Pacific launch will be held in Bangkok.

Download: GAWI 2014 flyer

Walk for Life in celebration of Elderly Filipino Week
2014-10-01 | Manila
Date: 1 October 2014
Venue: Manila

Our Philippines affliliate, Coalition of Services of the Elderly, held a walk today in Manila together with the Confederation of Older Persons’ Associations of the Philippines to celebrate IDOP2014 and call for better implementation of the Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act (Republic Act No. 9994).

Radio interview with key OPA spokepersons in Cambodia
2014-09-29
Date: 29 September 2014
Time: 01:00 – 02:00 pm

As part of Age Demands Action (ADA), older people in Cambodia will use the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2014 to call for action from the government to ensure their rights and protection, including a social pension scheme for all older people aged 65 and above.
Key events that will be led by ADA campaigners in Cambodia include a meeting between a delegation of older people from Older People’s Associations (OPAs) and OPA Federations, and the Provincial Governor of Battambang, on 29 September. Another delegation from OPAs and Federations will meet with the Provincial Governor of Banteay Meanchey on 30 September and with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation on 7 October in Phnom Penh.
Key OPA spokespersons, including Mr Ton Sovan, the OPA Leader from Prey Toch, and Mrs Pech Chhoeub, the OPA Leader from Korohal, along with HelpAge Cambodia staff will participate in a talk-show on the Chamka Chek state run radio station (FM: 92.70Mz), on 29 September from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.
Mr Ton Sovan believes that the radio talk-show is an important opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by older people in Cambodia and what can be done to improve their lives, including expanding the social pension. “Older people in Cambodia are less able to generate income for themselves and their families and a social pension for all older people aged 65 and above will help support their welfare and wellbeing”, said Mr Ton Sovan.

Members from YEL marching in Jarkarta
2014-09-21 | Car Free Day area, Jakarta
Date: 21 September 2014
Venue: Car Free Day area, Jakarta

As part of the Age Demands Action campaign, 115 members of our Indonesian affiliate, Yayasan Emong Lansia (YEL), marched with members of Alzheimer Indonesia in Jakarta.
The march started early in the morning to meet with the Minister of Health, Dr. Nafsiah Mboi, and the Lieutenant Governor of Jakarta, Tjahaja Basuki Purnama. About 1000 campaigners wore purple T-shirts printed with the slogan ‘Jangan Maklum Dengan Pikun’ (‘Don’t just accept dementia’) in support of World Alzheimer’s Day.
In response, the Jakarta Government has promised to make Jakarta an age-friendly city, starting with accessibility, and development of a city activity centre and parks where senior citizens can meet each other and do physical exercise.

COSE Communication Planning Workshop
2014-09-10 08:00 - 2014-09-12 17:00 | Robbinsdale Hotel, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines
Date: 10-12 September 2014
Venue: Robbinsdale Hotel, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines
Philippine policy-makers have long recognized the predicament of the elderly as presented in the 1986 Constitution. Older people have been included in many laws and policies regarding health and social services, pensions and retirees benefits.
However, the growing numbers of older people in the country have created a need to develop a deeper understanding of the wider, societal implications of ageing. Livelihood, healthcare, human rights, are merely some of the challenges related to old age, which require careful consideration and evaluation.
The greater demand to implement policies and create new ones to promote the welfare of the elderly prompted the Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE), in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency, to organize a communication planning workshop.
The communication plan will support all advocacy efforts on elderly issues, educate the public on the rights of the older people, and strengthen linkages and partnership among the various stakeholders.
As a result of the workshop, the participants will be able to come up with a strategic communication plan and subsequently develop appropriate messages in support of the various concerns and programs for older persons.

Regional Conference 2014 “Older People in Ageing Societies: Burden or Resource?”
2014-09-01 - 2014-09-04 | Convention Center, the Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Thailand
Date: 1-4 September 2014
Venue: Convention Center, the Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Every two years, the HelpAge Network of organisations working on ageing in the Asia/Pacific region and its key allies gather for a Regional Conference. The 2014 Regional Conference will be a multi-stakeholder learning event to share experience and develop common perspectives on the theme Older People in Ageing Societies: Burden or Resource?
Older people are often seen in terms of their needs and frailties, or even as a problem or burden for societies. This conference aims to stimulate discussion from the opposite perspective in order to bring greater balance in perceptions. The theme is important for the Network in reframing its arguments about ageing in a more positive light and is consistent with HelpAge’s approach (“age helps”). This theme is also important for China and other countries in Asia/Pacific as they consider how the increasing number of older people can contribute to national development. Finally, the conference comes at a time of changing directions in global development as the Millennium Development Goals come to an end and a new framework will take their place post-2015.
For registration and additional information, please contact jib@helpageasia.org.
