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South Africa among worst countries for the elderly

Staff Writer

 ·1 Oct 2014

South Africa ranks as one of the worst places in the world for the elderly, according to the Global AgeWatch Index.

The Global AgeWatch Index 2014, compiled by HelpAge International, presents a snapshot of the conditions for older people in 96 countries of the world today, highlighting which countries are doing best for their older populations.

The ranking links with policies towards pensions, health, education, employment and the social environment in which older people live.

The index looks at 4 main categories, namely: income security (pensions and employment opportunities); status of health (free or subsidised healthcare); capability (education) and the degree of an enabling environment for the elderly.

The index represents 790 million people – 91% or nine out of ten people over 60 across the world.

Notably, HelpAge found that overall, the world faces a global problem when it comes to pensions.

“This year’s report focuses on income security, which older people consistently identify as their top priority,” HelpAge said.

“While some countries have made substantial progress towards guaranteeing basic income security in old age, half of the world’s population can still expect to spend their old age without a pension.”

The Index shows that Norway is the best country to be old in. Apart from Japan (9), all the top 10 countries are in Western Europe, North America and Australasia.

10 best countries for the elderly

The top 20 countries enjoy high gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, have high-coverage pension systems, high levels of healthcare provision, and supportive social environments.

The worst country to be old in is Afghanistan, according to the report, with a poor showing from African nations, where the life expectancy is low. Mauritius is the only African nation to rank above 50.

“In the lowest quarter, we find conspicuously low income security rankings, together with poor health results,” HelpAge said.

10 worst countries for the elderly

South Africa’s elderly

South Africa – the second best performing country in Africa after Mauritus – didn’t perform poorly across all categories, particularly due to improvements in income security; however, healthcare and safety is still problematic, the report said.

“South Africa ranks low on the Index at 80 overall, but is the second-highest in its region,” HelpAge said.

“It performs best in the income security domain, a significant increase from its 2013 ranking (46th) due to improved pension coverage data and the contribution of a social pension system.”

South Africa

South Africa performed poorly in the enabling environment domain, due to below regional averages on older people’s satisfaction with their safety (31%) and civic freedom (66%).

The country ranked lowest in the health domain (89), with life expectancy at 60 below the regional average.

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