OPAs are multifunctional organisations
Promoting participatory governance OPAs play a vital role in raising awareness of the rights and entitlements of older people and improving their access to existing services. Linking with government service providers enables OPA members to recognise that government departments are resources for them (and their communities) to utilise.
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The work of OPAs in Bangladesh resulted in a 39 per cent increase in the number of older people accessing allowances, with a parallel reduction in the number of older people who reported they needed to rely on siblings for support.
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In China, OPAs have generated greater resources and support from government authorities as a result of meetings, exchange visits, interactions and support from local and Provincial authorities in Shaanxi, Sichuan and Hunan.
Governance & community Livelihoods participation Livelihoods
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
Supporting disaster response
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In the aftermath of severe floods in Rajasthan, India, several older people’s associations (OPAs) played an important role in the relief operation. They independently organised community kitchens providing precious food to thousands of people after the disaster. After the Indian Ocean Tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia OPAs managed and distributed cash grants to over 2,000 of the poorest older people, to enable them to regain a steady income and provide basic needs for themselves and their families. “Older people contribute to their communities their decades of accumulated experience, knowledge and understanding. This insight makes them an essential resource and potential partner in developing emergency preparedness and response programmes.” Older People in Emergencies: Considerations for Action and Policy Development, World Health Organisation, 2008
Organisations of older people adopt different names in Asia Older people’s association (OPA) : Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka Self-help group (SHG) : India Older citizen’s monotoring group (OCM): Bangladesh Elderly’s club : Thailand, Vietnam Older people’s group (OPG) : Lao PDR Older people’s self help group (OPSHG) : Myanmar Older people’s community (OPC) : Republic of Korea Older people’s organisations (OPO) : Phillipines
Older people’s associatons (OPAs)
Psychosocial support
Homecare
Healthcare
Social activities
The number of disasters and the number of people affected by disasters is rapidly increasing. OPAs are one mechanism to help alleviate the burden of human suffering and financial loss through the engagement of disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities such as disaster preparation, early warning systems, and relief and rehabilitation initiatives.
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Women’s participation
Right and entitlements
HIV and AIDS
Organisations promoting and supporting the development of OPAs in Asia Bangladesh Cambodia
China
Resource Integration Centre (RIC) Village Support Group (VSG), Khmer Farmers Development (KFD), Khmer Rural Development Association (KRDA), Komnit Thmei Organization (KNTO) China National Committee on Ageing (CNCA), Provincial Committee on Ageing in Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Hunan
India Indonesia Lao PDR Myanmar
HelpAge India, Gramin vikas Vigyan Samiti (GRAVIS) Yayasan Emong Lansia (YEL), Telaga Amal Foundation Lao Women Union, Lao Red Cross YMCA Myanmar
Nepal Philippines Republic of Korea Sri Lanka Thailand
Nepal Participatory Action Network (NEPAN) Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) HelpAge Korea HelpAge Sri Lanka The Foundation for Older Persons’ Development (FOPDEV), Senior Citizens Council of Thailand (SCCT)
Vietnam
Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU), Vietnam Association for the Elderly (VAE), Research Center for Ageing Support (RECAS)
HelpAge International - East Asia/Pacific Regional Development Centre 6, Soi 17, Nimmanhemin Road, Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, THAILAND Tel: +66 53 225 440, Fax: +66 53 225 441 hai@helpageasia.org, www.helpage.org Copyright © October 2009 HelpAge International, Registered charity no. 288180
Older people in community development The role of older people’s associations (OPAs) in enhancing local development
The world is ageing fast “ There is no subject of greater importance than the ageing of the population and provision of social protection for older people. It affects the very nature of our societies and concerns not only older people, but all sections of the population.” Joseph E. Stiglitz, Nobel Prize winner and former Chief Economist of the World Bank
And age helps... Older people are an asset to their families, communities, and to society. Their contribution – as carers, advisers, mediators, mentors and breadwinners – is invaluable.
Older people’s associations Older people’s associations (OPAs) are community-based organisations of older people, which aim to improve the well-being of older people, their families and communities. OPAs provide a mechanism for social support as well as for delivering services.
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Health and nutrition training of older people in rural China led to 80 per cent of participants adopting healthier lifestyles.
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OPA homecare volunteers in the ASEAN countries are caring for frail, old and disadvantaged people within their communities.
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Empathy clubs for older people affected by HIV and AIDS in Vietnam have resulted in reduced stigma and discrimination within communities and increased access to treatment.
OPAs are multifunctional organisations which are proving to be durable, reliable, and effective. How can this be explained?
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Their members, older people, are widely respected and have a wealth of community knowledge and experience.
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Older people tend to remain in their communities, providing continuity to the OPA and its activities, thus contributing to the sustainability of the organisation.
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The wider community members have a vested interest in the success of the OPA – the OPA benefits the community as a whole and people see themselves as future members of the associations.
“Ageing is a development issue. Healthy older persons are a resource for their families, their communities and the economy.” Brasilia Declaration on Healthy Ageing, World Health Organisation, 1996
Promoting participation in community life OPAs promote mutual support among older people, reducing the risk of isolation and vulnerability by creating social support networks that can facilitate community development activities. Increased confidence amongst members and within their communities strengthens the intergenerational bonds.
Building livelihood security
“I haven’t missed a meeting since this club was established two years ago. We keep coming back not only because of the clubs vocational training lessons, but also the joyful atmosphere. Together, we escape from the sad stories of real life to engage in doing new things.”
Older people play an important role in alleviating family and community poverty. Access to micro-credit, grants, and job training via OPA-managed schemes has helped older people participate in income generating activities, thus helping them earn money to support themselves and their families.
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OPA micro-credit activities in rural China contributed to an average increase in beneficiary household incomes by 23 per cent. The rate of loan repayment was 99 per cent demonstrating the diligence of older people in repaying loans.
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Income generating activities have helped some of the most disadvantaged people in Vietnam. The average income of OPA members increased 40.7 per cent in a single year.
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In 2009, OPA participants in incoming generating activities in Prek Chdor, Cambodia have seen their profits rise 200 per cent from OPA start up in 2007.
Nguyen Thi Mua, 64 Member of Tinh Tuy OPA, Vietnam
Improving healthcare
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Women also find OPAs a channel for express their voices.
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Through OPAs in India, older women have gained a higher degree of confidence at both family and community levels. Around 60 per cent of women attend OPA meetings on a regular basis, with many of them influencing the decision-making process. Women share leadership responsibilities in most OPAs.
Changing family structures, migration and the impact of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in certain countries have weakened traditional support systems, leaving many older people feeling isolated and vulnerable. In many areas, older people do not have access to basic medical care.
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OPAs assist older people by organising medical check-ups, promoting healthy living strategies and providing health education. OPAs also manage activities of home and community care, as well as carry out education on HIV and AIDS.
In Bangladesh, members reported that the benefits and recognition they received from OPA involvement made families appreciate the contribution of older people in the household – 88 per cent of respondents said their confidence had increased as a result.
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In Vietnam, older women constitute at least half of the older people’s clubs members in Thai Nguyen province.