Bringing Preventative Care to Older Adults

The Problem We Are Addressing

Many older adults aged 60 years and above face multiple, overlapping challenges:

• Limited access to preventative healthcare and health education

• Poor management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and mobility-related conditions

• High out-of-pocket medical costs that worsen poverty

• Loss of independence, productivity, and social connection

• Increased loneliness, depression, and reduced quality of life

Without targeted interventions, these challenges create a cycle where poor health reinforces poverty and vulnerability in older age.

Our Approach

The Bringing Preventative Care to Older Adults Project uses a community-led, preventative health model that places older adults at the center of their own health and wellbeing.

The project focuses on:

• Preventative health education tailored to the realities of older adults living in poverty

• Practical, low-cost health practices that can be sustained at household and community level

• Peer-to-peer learning, where trained older adults serve as community health champions

• Holistic care, addressing physical health, mental wellbeing, social inclusion, and dignity

• Strong referral and partnership systems linking communities to health facilities and social services

Rather than delivering services to communities, the project builds the capacity of older adults to understand, manage, and advocate for their health.

Key Activities

• Community-based health education sessions on nutrition, hygiene, chronic disease management, and mental health

• Training and mentorship of elderly community health champions

• Formation and strengthening of peer support and self-help groups

• Health screenings, referrals, and linkage to care through partner facilities

• Community dialogue forums to promote inclusion, dignity, and intergenerational support

Who We Serve

The project serves vulnerable adults aged 60 years and above, with a focus on:

• Older adults living below the poverty line

• Elderly women, widows, and persons with disabilities

• Marginalized and rural communities with limited access to health services

Implementation is focused in Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay Counties, with a vision for national scale.

Impact We Are Creating

Through preventative care and empowerment, the project contributes to:

• Improved health literacy and early disease prevention

• Reduced healthcare costs for older adults and their families

• Greater independence, mobility, and social participation

• Improved mental wellbeing and reduced isolation

• Stronger community support systems and intergenerational connections

By investing in prevention, the project helps older adults remain active contributors to their families and communities.

Why This Project Matters

Kenya’s older population is growing, yet health systems and social protection mechanisms often overlook their specific needs. Preventative care is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable ways to improve health outcomes in older age.

This project demonstrates that when older adults are empowered with knowledge, skills, and community support, they can protect their health, preserve their dignity, and break cycles of poverty.