American Friends Of Helpage India

We often hear the phrase "a woman of substance," and 65-year-old Shanti Devi from Supaul, Bihar embodies it perfectly. After losing her husband almost a decade ago, Shanti Devi faced life with unyielding hope, even when her four married children couldn't support her. With no safety net, Shanti joined the Parvati Elder-Self-Help Group through HelpAge’s Livelihood program. Using an initial loan from the group’s funds, she became an organic farmer. As a beneficiary of our Mobile Healthcare program, she also received free primary healthcare. Through this journey, Shanti not only became financially independent but also found emotional fulfillment among a remarkable group of elder rural entrepreneurs. Last year, Shanti faced another challenge: gynecological issues that made the physical demands of farming difficult. HelpAge stepped in to find a solution, ensuring she could remain healthy and independent. With a new loan, Shanti purchased goats and began rearing them. She now earns a comfortable income by selling their milk at the market. We salute the fighting spirit of Shanti Devi. Today, she is an integral part of the HelpAge family and an inspiration to other elderly women struggling for survival. #doyouknow - a $100 donation can cover healthcare access for 25 elders like Shanti Devi for a year.

75-year-old Rosemary, from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has lived a life of quiet resilience. For over 15 years, since the passing of her husband, she has relied on her grandson, a daily wage laborer. His modest income barely covers their most basic needs. In her younger days, Rosemary worked tirelessly to provide for her family, but with age and declining health, she found herself unable to contribute. Confined mostly to her home, she watched the world around her grow smaller. For the last four years, Rosemary has suffered from debilitating knee pain and anemia. She knew she needed medical care, but the cost of treatment was overwhelming, and the nearest Public Health Centre was too far to reach on her own. Like many elders in her situation, she felt trapped—unsure where to turn for help. Everything changed when Rosemary attended a health awareness session organized by our Mobile Healthcare Unit (MHU). Hearing about the healthcare services available through HelpAge, she enrolled as a beneficiary. With no medical records to rely on, our Medical Consultant conducted a thorough examination, providing her with the right treatment and medication. Today, Rosemary can go about her daily tasks without pain. Her newfound mobility has brought back not just her independence, but her confidence. She no longer feels like a burden but a woman capable of living her life with dignity and joy.