Shelter of Refugee Seniors International Ministries (SRSIM)

When conflict erupts (e.g. in North Kivu, DRC), older people are among those who suffer most. They often can't flee quickly and are exposed to danger. Many older people remain in hastily formed displacement sites or camps, or in temporary shelters like schools, often without basic facilities.

Refugees older people often arrive without food or access to cooking supplies. Their nutritional needs are frequently unmet, especially if they have difficulty chewing, chronic illness, or need specialised diets.

Refugees Older people often have pre-existing chronic health conditions (e.g. hypertension, arthritis) that need ongoing care and medication. Conflict and displacement aggravate these. Access to clean water and sanitation is a major challenge; poor water increases risk of waterborne diseases and cholera. Health services in camps often do not have specialised geriatric care or services adapted to older people's mobility or sensory impairments.

Shelters can be inadequate (leaking, crowded, poorly insulated, not adapted to mobility limitations). Sanitation facilities (latrines, toilets) may be hard to reach or use for those who are weak or have limited mobility. Raised seats or facilities far away are a problem.

Elder refugees often means loss of family or community support networks. Older people are alone and dependent on others. There are risks of neglect, abuse (verbal, physical, sexual) especially for older women. Some reports mention that elderly in camps feel less respected, more marginalized. Mental health—trauma, grief, loss, uncertainty—these are major issues.