Seniors for the future
Only 4% of the Malawian population is currently over 64 years old. A fact that will change in Malawi with the demographic development of the world population. At the moment, however, little attention is paid to the needs of the elderly. Yet existential issues are on the agenda, especially for older people: income generating activities are often no longer possible because employment opportunities are limited due to ageing. And the need for health care is increasing.
HelpAge International, in collaboration with Irish Aid and local networks, is committed through the program ''AFFORD II'' to support seniors in Malawi to advocate for their rights to social protection. The seniors involved in the projects are very innovative and persistent. So there is hope that today's elderly can pave the way for the elderly of the future.
Fairpicture photographer Malumbo Simwaka was able to portray seniors from Balaka District in Malawi who, even in their advanced years, are trying to improve their circumstances. They strengthen each other by joining together in associations, where they evaluate the needs of the elderly citizens. Through these surveys, older people not only make themselves heard, but also a stronger voice to hold authorities accountable for their political commitments.
Client
Helpage International
Date
August 2021
Photographer
Malumbo Simwaka
Location
Malawi, Balaka
A Malawian proverb says: “If you have, give; if you need, seek.“
Client: HelpAge Interntional
Date: August 2021
Photographer: Malumbo Simwaka
Location: Malawi, Balaka
Turn on the sound
Petros Yakobe (71) bought solar panels with his salary from a community drainage project. Now he, his wife and their two grandchildren are able to charge their phones and listen to the radio every day.
The Older Citizen Monitoring Group
Benson Nasongole (73) and his colleague Sabstino Jumbe (73) analyze the data they collected. Both are members of the Older Citizen Monitoring Group. “The data we collect helps us to know how many older people there are in our village, including their gender. We update it continuously. Whenever there are activities in our community, the leaders give priority to the elderly people and the data we evaluate comes in very handy for this.”
Client: HelpAge Interntional
Date: August 2021
Photographer: Malumbo Simwaka
Location: Malawi, Balaka
Our meetings of older people help us to encourage each other. As others share their experiences with us, we get ideas of how to deal with some of our own challenges.
Catherine Robert, age 73
Client: HelpAge Interntional
Date: August 2021
Photographer: Malumbo Simwaka
Location: Malawi, Balaka
Take care of oneself
Jane Sitima (67) is a widow living with her seven grandchildren. Some time ago she bought two ducks. She now has almost 44, plus four turkeys. She is able to make a living by selling the animals. “When I lost my husband, life was hard as an elderly widow. But today, I can stand on my own two feet as a proud single grandmother.”
