Geriatric i.e. Elderly are defined as a vulnerable group faced with several challenges including high level of poverty, health insecurity, need for care, weak family and community support, insecurity and poor housing (Vision 2030). It is projected that the figures will reach 6.3% of the Global population aged over 60 years. In Kenya number of aged person 60 years and above is increasing and collectively they will count for 6.3 percent of the global population.
We reach out to the elderly who are most at risk and marginalized group due to advance age. Majority of who suffer physical frailties, lonely living, urban immigration, cognitive impairment, multi-morbidity, poverty, increasing healthcare utilization and costs, culture among others. Most are in the category of dependence ageing – ratio 6.5% (2024 UN Population Prospects Report) while others are in domestic violence ageing, that is increasing by day. We help to towards achieving active ageing through empowerment, psychotherapy, medical care support and economic activities that help them towards active ageing.
Domestic violence ageing is gender based violence and abuse (GBV), is increasing among the geriatric, causing fear, trauma, abuse, safety concerns, exploitation, neglect, conflict, poverty among others. The eldest GBV case reported in the year 2025 is of 97 year old woman who was abused and killed. Many have suffered rape and displacement from properties among others.
We build resilience to help them navigate these transitions and thrive. We empower them with skills, knowledge, attitude and behavior change to enable them live positively, stay active, self-care, nurture relationships especially with family members, seek for support, form support groups, pursue hobbies and engage income generating activities like basket weaving, beadwork, cooking simple for their age. We create awareness on Rights issues that surround geriatric. We encourage them to be resilient to manage physical wellness by get medical treatment, manage chronic conditions and maintain independence. We work with health practitioners for health care, therapist for mental and physical wellness. During this time they suffer losses therefore we offer psychotherapy support to help them in the transition. We encourage them on nutrition and we offer them food supplement, care and basic support. We work with support partners and referrals systems. We share information and available resources for support and care.
Resilience helps them find purposes and meaning and are able to discover passions and interests. They are able stay active, nurture relationships, practice self-care, stay engaged and seek support. They gain power to fight for their Rights and live positively.