Why we work in Bangladesh Bangladesh is one of the world's poorest countries. Among older men and women, poverty is deep and widespread, exacerbated by extreme weather such as heatwaves, floods and cyclones that kill thousands every year, destroy homes and wreck older people's livelihoods. Older people are often refused healthcare in an ageist public health service and the lack of reliable incomes mean many older people struggle to meet their day-to-day needs. Preparing for and responding to disasters Working with communities at risk of natural disasters, we build the resilience of older people and their families by reducing the impact of cyclones and heat waves and supporting people as they recover.