The Future of Community-Based Services for Older Persons in South Africa

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the needs of older persons in South Africa today. It acknowledges the strong policy lead being given by government to ensure the positive integration of older persons within society, support for them within their families, their access to proper community-based services, their protection from abuse and ageism, and promoting their general quality of life. At the same time the article stresses the size of the challenge that exists to turn government policy into reality in the lives of older people. As elsewhere in the world increasing numbers of older persons with a wide range of complex needs can be expected. Within South Africa migratory patterns, HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty may impede the growth in the number of the older population. At the same time those same phenomena will make the delivery of the necessary community-based services particularly difficult. A number of recommendations are made as to what the priorities should be for service delivery organisations within this context of ambitious policy but limited resources.