Recorded presentation

Maureen Lynch, PhD, Refugees International, 1705 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202-828-0110, maureen@refintl.org

When relief agencies aid refugees and displaced people, they often fail to give older refugees the support they need and deserve. It is estimated that individuals over the age of 60 make up between 10% and 30% of refugees and internally displaced in conflicts, but age and gender discrimination combine with problems of mobility to reduce their visibility. Many older people think nongovernmental agencies (NGOs) are unaware of their special needs, do not think they are important, or that they do not consult older people directly. The older people are right.

This paper identifies some of the gaps that must be reduced to ensure equal access to refugee protection and services across the lifespan. Older people's rights must be recognized and upheld in international emergencies. This can be accomplished by raising the general level of awareness about the special needs of older people.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify needs faced by older refugees and internally displaced people.
• Increased awareness of the needs of the older refugees and internally displaced people and how to incorporate their knowledge in the development of coping strategies during and after crises.

Keywords: Refugees, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation