Elders from a tea plantation, Sri Lanka. Photo: W Holmes
This project aims to improve the health and well-being of older people in the tea estates in Sri Lanka. These retired tea workers live in poverty, suffer preventable disability and chronic illnesses and have limited access to health care and social services.
The project has brought the elders together for social activities and mutual support, including recording oral history, visits to temples, and connections with young people. These have increased respect for elders and raised awareness of their needs. Our advocacy with the government has led to improved health care; in particular the elders that have their eyes screened through the project are now having their cataracts removed and sight restored. This enables them to play a productive role in their communities.
The proportion of older people is increasing rapidly in developing countries - this project is providing useful lessons for promoting the health and quality of life of older people.