INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS – GAZA
On October 1st, the world marks the International Day of Older Persons. In Gaza, however, growing old has become a struggle for survival. Juzoor for Health and Social Development stands with the elderly who continue to endure unimaginable hardship amidst war and displacement.
“Gaza is home to approximately 107,000 people aged 60 and above — about 5% of the population. Nearly all live with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, and more than 86% experience disabilities that limit daily life. For them, access to healthcare and medication is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.”
The war has compounded their suffering in ways that are difficult to measure. Hospitals and clinics have been destroyed or rendered inoperable, leaving thousands of older persons without access to essential treatment or even basic medicines. Mobility aids and medical equipment are scarce, while the long journeys required to reach functioning facilities are often impossible for those with limited physical capacity. At the same time, food insecurity has reached critical levels, and reports indicate that more than 1,200 older people have died in recent months from starvation, dehydration, or untreated health complications.
