As of 2022, it is estimated that more than 5 million people, approximately 9%) of South Africa’s population are aged 60 years. Notably, over 60% are females . The increase of the elderly has great impact on socio-economic factors such as access to health care, income, housing etc. The government introduced an Older Persons Act (2006) to establish a framework which aimed to empower, care and support older persons, while promoting their status, rights, wellbeing, safety and security. However, the government’s efforts to successfully design and facilitate support mechanisms for the elderly to live well and independently within the community have been rather slow.

It is on this basis that the panel discussion seeks to evaluate:
(i) the state of quality of life and well-being of the elderly in South Africa;
(ii) factors that contribute to poor health, quality of life and well-being of the elderly in South Africa (i.e. policy interventions, social and community environment, family circumstances etc.); and
(iii) provide recommendations on the roles that government, business, research institutions, civil society and the society should play in order to improve the ageing experience and quality of life of the elderly.