Head to head: Help the Aged vs Age Concern

They are the goliaths of the elderly charities but how do you tell them apart? It turns out that there are some fairly big differences...

How they're organized

Help the Aged runs local services and shops throughout the country and is run from a central office.
Age Concern is a network of about 400 small, local charities throughout the UK which seem independent other than sharing the name, ethos and some resources.

In their own words

HA is "an international charity fighting to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect". So it is directed towards disadvantaged elderly people, both at home and overseas.
AC meanwhile aims "to promote the wellbeing of all older people and help make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience." It is more UK-focused, and for all older people. Indeed, one of its recent objectives was to create a membership organization offering benefits and opportunities to everyone over 50. Unfortunately, however, this scheme hasn't really taken off.

Origins

HA grew out of an organisation set up in the 60s to help older refugees in war-torn Yugoslavia, Bangladesh and Rwanda. It was set up to raise money for emergency aid for old people overseas but soon began to get involved in projects in the UK.
AC essentially grew out of a coalition of several voluntary and government organisations after WWII, to tackle difficulties faced by older people.

Overseas

Both campaign in the EU on issues affecting the elderly.

HA: works overseas with its partner, HelpAge International – the HelpAge network has 65 members in 39 countries, working in 80 countries. Help the Aged is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee. Its overseas partners cover age discrimination, health and social care, pension reform and the prevention of violence.
AC: there are other Age Concerns all over the world, only some of which have been developed with UK help. Age Concern England along with Age Concern New Zealand have taken the first steps towards an international association.

Summary

HA is directed more towards overseas disaster work, and to helping disadvantaged elderly people here.
AC is UK-focused, regional and member-based, with the wider remit of helping all elderly people.