The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) 2026 Conference provides an important national platform for examining how Kenya can strengthen systems, policies and community action to support healthy ageing and uphold the rights of older persons. Held from 30 September to 2 October 2026, the conference will focus on “Advancing Healthy Aging and Older Persons’…
At 117, Ethel Caterham is more than the world’s oldest living person—she is a living link to more than a century of human history. Born in 1909, she has witnessed extraordinary changes in society, technology and everyday life. Her remarkable journey also gives special meaning to the name Ethel, an Old English name associated with “noble,” which was popular among girls of her generation. For Ethel Foundation for the Aged, her story offers a timely reminder that ageing does not diminish a person’s dignity, value or capacity to contribute. Every older person carries a story, wisdom and experiences that deserve to be seen, heard and valued.
19 August 2026 | Ethel Foundation for the Aged (EFA) Every humanitarian crisis has a human face. Behind the statistics are people whose lives have been disrupted by conflict, disasters, displacement, poverty and loss of livelihoods. Among them are older persons—people who can face particularly significant barriers to accessing assistance when crisis strikes. On World…
More than 1,300 people came together for the 2026 Day of the Older Persons and Grandparents, creating a powerful celebration of dignity, faith, community and belonging. For Ethel Foundation for the Aged, the gathering was more than a celebration—it was an opportunity to listen, learn and look ahead. As EFA strengthens partnerships, knowledge exchange and sustainable livelihood approaches, the experience reinforced a simple but important commitment: **older persons should not only be cared for, but respected, included and empowered to live with dignity.
The future we build today is the future we will all age into.
Growing older should never mean becoming invisible. Across our communities, older persons continue to nurture families, preserve culture, and strengthen society, yet many face poverty, poor health, isolation, and neglect. At Ethel Foundation for the Aged, we believe ageing should be marked by dignity, purpose, and opportunity. Discover why investing in older persons is not just an act of compassion—it’s essential to building stronger, more inclusive communities for generations to come.
What if we measured a person’s value not by their age, but by the lifetime of contributions they have made? From childhood dreams to the wisdom of older age, every stage of life strengthens our communities. In this article, Ethel Foundation for the Aged explores why ageing is not the end of purpose, but the continuation of a legacy—and why building age-friendly societies begins with recognizing, respecting, and celebrating the contributions of older persons.
The Ethel Foundation for the Aged (EFA), in collaboration with the Catholic Church, parish leadership, community volunteers, and partner organizations, has commenced preparations for the upcoming Day of the Older Persons, an annual celebration dedicated to honouring the lives, contributions, and dignity of older women and men in our communities. The planning process has brought…
Across Kenya, older persons continue to care for grandchildren, mediate family conflicts, preserve indigenous knowledge, mentor young entrepreneurs, cultivate farms, run businesses, volunteer within their communities, and provide invaluable social support. Their contribution extends far beyond economic productivity—it strengthens families, communities, and social cohesion.
Access to clean water is about far more than drinking—it is about health, education, dignity, and opportunity. In Katolo Village, Kisumu, families spend hours each day searching for water, limiting their ability to learn, work, and thrive. Learn how Ethel Foundation for the Aged is working to provide a sustainable clean water solution for over 2,500 people and why your support can create lasting change.