Alison Marshall
CEO Age International
Every person, regardless of age, has an equal right to healthcare, a secure income and living with dignity. Yet, many older people experience poverty, face age discrimination and struggle to get support.
Donato, 78, lives in Nyarugusu refugee camp, north‑west Tanzania. She arrived at the camp facing an uncertain future after fleeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Worn down by illness, she struggled to care for her two grandchildren, for whom she is the sole provider.
Support from local organisation
Today, things look brighter for Donato. She was able to connect with a local organisation, HelpAge Tanzania, which is supported by Age International. Now, she joins regular group activities, receives a small grant to sustain her family and has started a small vegetable business to feed her grandchildren. She says: “I feel whole again.”
For Donato, one of the most important changes has been finding a community, which brings older people together regularly, creating a network of support and friendship. Donato’s hope is simple: to see her grandchildren grow up safe and strong. She is doing everything she can to make that future possible.
For Donato, one of the most important changes
has been finding a community
Planning for the future
There is only so much we can control in life. However, there are ways to ensure that the things we value most can live on. A gift in your will allows you to ensure the values you hold dear continue well into the future and is one of the most efficient ways to support a charity.
Angela and Derek decided to leave a gift in their will to Age International because it was important to them to be able to help older people overseas. Derek explains: “I believe people in other countries need the help. I don’t like seeing people suffer as they get older, so that is why we left a gift in our wills.”
Despite good intentions, many of us put off writing a will. Creating one may be easier than you expect and can offer real peace of mind. Age International has put together a free guide that explains the process, including practical information and helpful tips.
Request your free guide to learn how a gift in your will can rewrite the future for older people worldwide via ageinternational.org.uk/legacy. Alternatively, phone 0800 032 0699, or email [email protected]
