Every Life Matters: Uplifting the Older Adults through NGO Support in Bangladesh

This article examines the situation of the aging population in Bangladesh and the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting their well-being. Older adults should not be regarded as a burden, but rather as valuable and contributing members of society. Nevertheless, many face challenging living conditions due to poverty, financial dependency, inadequate income, limited government and private sector support, and neglect from family members. This study investigates the extent to which NGO programs have improved the quality of life of older adults. While NGOs often claim to support this demographic, our findings indicate that welfare services are largely concentrated in central branches. In contrast, local branches primarily provide microfinance services, with only a few rare exceptions offering both welfare and financial programs. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating surveys, interviews, and purposive sampling. Results reveal that many older adults suffer from chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis, and visual impairments. Most NGOs do not specifically target older adults unless they are members of borrowing households, and support frequently ceases once project funding ends. NGOs themselves acknowledge key limitations in service provision, citing insufficient funding, low public awareness, and inadequate coordination with government bodies. Addressing these issues is critical. In building a compassionate and equitable society, it is essential to prioritize the care, dignity, and inclusion of older adults.