When Age Becomes a Risk
There is a quiet shift that happens in many communities.
A woman who once tilled the land, raised children, and held her family together slowly becomes “the old woman down the road.”
A man who once built homes and solved village disputes becomes “mzee,” spoken about more than spoken to.
Nothing dramatic announces the change.
But gradually, visibility fades.
The Silent Reality
In Kenya, ageing can quietly become a risk factor. Many older persons—especially widows and those living alone—face:
- Economic insecurity
- Food shortages
- Limited access to healthcare
- Social isolation
- Neglect and abuse
According to a report by Kenyan News, elder abuse and neglect remain a concerning reality in parts of the country, with many cases going unreported and unresolved.
Read more: https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/elderly-persons-in-kenya-continue-to-face-abuse/
The crisis is not always visible. It does not trend online. It rarely dominates public debate. Yet for thousands of older persons, it defines daily life.
Why Is This Happening?
Kenya’s population is ageing. As families migrate to urban centers and economic pressures increase, traditional support systems are weakening.
Older persons who once depended on extended family structures now find themselves alone — financially strained and physically vulnerable.
Without intentional social protection, community engagement, and targeted programming, ageing becomes synonymous with hardship.
Dignity Is Not Optional
At Ethel Foundation for the Aged, we reject the idea that ageing should mean invisibility.
Our work focuses on restoring dignity through:
- Food security interventions
- Access to healthcare services
- Psychosocial and community support
- Advocacy for the rights of older persons
We believe older persons are not passive recipients of aid — they are custodians of wisdom, culture, and resilience.
A Question for All of Us
If a society is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable, what does ours say about us?
Age should represent legacy — not risk.
It should signal honor — not abandonment.
The work of protecting older persons cannot rest on charities alone. It requires:
- Stronger policy frameworks
- Responsible community stewardship
- Corporate social investment
- Intergenerational solidarity
Because one day, ageing will not be someone else’s issue. It will be ours.
Join Us
Ethel Foundation for the Aged continues to work toward a Kenya where older persons live with dignity, security, and respect.
To partner with us or learn more about our programs, visit: www.ethelfoundation.or.ke
