Experts Roundtable - Older Adults Displaced by Conflict and Emergencies: Addressing Needs and Fostering Capabilities

As millions continue to be displaced worldwide, older adults are among the most vulnerable yet often overlooked populations. To address this pressing issue, the Columbia Global Center Amman and the Columbia Aging Center’s International Longevity Center-USA brought together leading experts, academics, policymakers, and humanitarian organizations for a high-level roundtable titled "Older Adults Displaced by or Left Behind in Conflict or Emergencies: Addressing Needs and Fostering Capabilities." The event featured Columbia faculty, the UN Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights by Older Persons, representatives from UN agencies, and global humanitarian leaders, aiming to assess challenges, highlight contributions, and propose concrete solutions for displaced older persons.

Addressing the Unique Needs of Displaced Older Adults

Older adults play a crucial role in their communities, bringing resilience, wisdom, and experience. This convening emphasized their strengths and the importance of fostering their ability to contribute, with the aim of ensuring that humanitarian responses are more inclusive while effective. 

Key discussions explored strategies to enhance the health and well-being of displaced older persons, addressing the physical and mental health challenges they face and identifying effective interventions to ensure they receive appropriate care and support. The protection of human rights was also be at the forefront, with discussions focused on ensuring dignity, equity, and access to essential services. Many displaced older persons encounter systemic barriers that limit their ability to secure aid and rebuild their lives, necessitating stronger legal and policy frameworks to safeguard their rights.  Maureen Henry, Deputy Director, ILC-USA, said: “With threats to humanitarian aid overall, it will be important to continue to pursue interventions and policies that support older people in their existing roles, while also addressing their vulnerabilities.”

Another key priority is community, as displacement could lead to severe isolation for older adults. The roundtable explored strategies to rebuild social networks, support adaptation to host communities, and foster inclusive environments that empower older persons to live with dignity. The event highlighted the need for robust research and data collection to better inform policy and humanitarian responses, ensuring that the unique challenges of displaced older persons are addressed effectively.

Advancing Policy and Collaboration

The meeting outcomes will include producing actionable policy and research recommendations designed to drive meaningful change. By identifying and addressing key data and research gaps -particularly regarding the physical, mental, and social needs of displaced older persons - stakeholders will collaborate to develop targeted, evidence-based solutions that enhance long-term support systems. Following the event, a comprehensive report will summarize key findings and recommendations, serving as a critical resource for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and researchers dedicated to improving advocacy efforts and shaping policies that prioritize older displaced persons.

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