The elderly are increasingly vulnerable as a result of ageing populations and the subsequent difficulties experienced by their families. Elder citizens know what it is like to be lonely. They live on meager pensions. In some countries the elderly do not receive any form of pension; families are torn apart by migration enforced by extreme poverty; grandparents are left in charge of their grandchildren orphaned as a result of AIDS:

· Homes for the elderly
· Socialization workshops
· Home support, allowing elderly people to continue living at home
· Meals on wheels or meals with other families
· Revenue-generating activities
· Lobbying for legislation to acknowledge the rights of the elderly