HelpAge Cambodia

Elders in Cambodia are survivors of three decades of conflict. One of four lives below the poverty line ($1.25 per day), there is no pension or other form of social benefit system. Over 80% live in rural areas with limited infrastructure and resources. 30% of older farmers in Cambodia are aged over 70 years old.

In 2015, there were 1.3 million Cambodians aged 60+ which is 8.3% of the total population. By 2050, this group is forecast to balloon to 5 million, being 21% of the total population.

These numbers are concerning for Cambodia’s economy and society. However, today the critical issue is that Seniors are a neglected group of the Cambodian society and if they individually do not have family support, they live extremely difficult lives with no choice but to work – often in manual jobs for very low wages.

HelpAge Cambodia (HAC) is a locally-lead NGO and the only organisation working on ageing rights within Cambodia. The NGO has worked with older people for over 28 years.

Together with community and government partners, HAC works towards empowering older people and their communities in: Health care, income generation security, water and sanitation, climate change and disaster risk reduction, capacity building initiatives, policy/rights and much more.

For further information about this fantastic organisation, please visit: www.helpagecambodia.org

Learn why our Founder, Gemma Loyer, is passionately partnering with HAC here.

Information and photography credit: HelpAge Cambodia & National Institute of Statistics.