Growing older with dignity: Mulu Ayal’s path to independence 

Growing older should never mean being left behind. Yet many older people face barriers that make it difficult to live with dignity, stay connected to their communities and meet their everyday needs.

When access to social protection, healthcare and other essential services is limited, and family support is not available, older people can be left with few options. But dignity is about more than material support. It is also about being seen and valued, remaining connected to others and having opportunities to contribute to their own wellbeing.

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mulu Ayal has experienced these challenges herself. Without adequate support, she struggled to meet her household’s basic needs. The Woreda Women, Children and Social Affairs Office recognised her situation and referred her to Dorcas Ethiopia, where she joined a programme for older people facing poverty and exclusion.

Essential support

Through the project, Mulu Ayal has received food, hygiene products and medical care, support her to manage everyday life and maintain her health and wellbeing over the past three years.

The project also enabled Mulu Ayal to build a more secure livelihood. After receiving basic business and entrepreneurship training, she was given start-up capital to launch a small home-based business selling traditional spices and dried food products.

The income she earns now helps cover household expenses and has brought greater stability to her life.

As part of Dorcas’ 2026 International Day of Older Persons campaign, ‘Seen and valued – rights and dignity of older people’, we are highlighting the rights, dignity and contributions of older people and the value they bring to their communities.