Older Adults Need Connection and Compassion

In recognition of International Day of Older Persons Oct. 1, Unbound is spotlighting a global concern: the growing crisis of social isolation among older adults, compounded by poverty in regions across Africa, Asia and Latin America. These challenges threaten the health, dignity and overall well-being of millions of seniors.

Through its one-of-a-kind elder sponsorship program, Unbound is addressing these issues head-on by fostering human connection, promoting dignity within communities, and providing access to essential care and support.

The United Nations Population Fund projects that the number of people aged 80 and above will triple over the next 50 years. By 2050, an estimated 80% of older people will live in low- and middle-income countries. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection reports that 1 in 6 people worldwide — nearly 12% of older adults — experience loneliness, a condition linked to serious health risks. These converging trends heighten the vulnerability of older adults in developing regions.

Unbound stands out as the only major U.S.-based sponsorship organization that offers individuals the opportunity to directly support an elder. Through personalized programming and psycho-social support, Unbound helps older adults live with dignity, purpose and connection while working toward their path out of poverty.

While older adults bring wisdom, resilience and value to their communities, they are too often overlooked by society, facing challenges related to health care, social isolation and deep poverty — conditions that can strip them of a sense of dignity and connection in their later years.

“Thanks to our generous sponsors, Unbound offers a full suite of programming to help aging populations stay connected, healthy and thriving,” said Ashley Hufft, president and CEO of Unbound. “By 2030, we aim to expand our elder programming to reach 50,000 individuals worldwide.”

Unbound’s elder sponsorship program is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of more than 32,000 older adults. Here are just a few examples:

• • In the Philippines, Unbound and Omaha-based Chronic Care International launched a two-phase noncommunicable diseases pilot focused on improving the health of diabetic elders living in poverty. Program participant Herminiana, 73, learned about the impact of diabetes on her health, choosing the right foods to keep blood sugar levels steady and taking medications consistently.


• • Nazario, an 83-year-old sponsored elder living in Guatemala was struggling to meet his day-to-day needs. He had always worked as a basket weaver, but pain in his hands limited the number of baskets he could produce, ultimately limiting his income. After receiving sponsorship from Unbound, Nazario can continue to craft baskets at his own pace, lightening the load of stress while being able to afford daily necessities.


• • A 78-year-old sponsored elder in Kenya, David, used all his retirement savings caring for and educating his children and grandchildren. Unbound’s sponsorship gave him the materials to start a small business selling spices and handwoven bags. David now generates an income that will sustain his family in the future.