HelpAge International About
Five organisations in Canada, Colombia, Kenya, India and the UK set up HelpAge International in 1983 to provide a strong network to support older people worldwide.
Early days
The idea for a global network of older people's organisations arose from a consultancy commissioned by Sir Lesley Kirkley, Chair of Help the Aged's Overseas Committee, in 1980.
"It was the time of the Ethiopia and Somalia wars," says Chris Beer, who carried out the consultancy and who later became HelpAge International's Chief Executive Officer.
"It became clear that older refugees were not being looked after by other agencies. The idea was to become a lobby for older people and develop programmes such as eyecare and community care."
