Lifestyle

South Africa is not a great place to grow old

Staff Writer

 ·9 Sep 2015

A new index released by Age International places South Africa as one of the worst countries in the world for its capacity to make life comfortable for old people.

The Global AgeWatch Index for 2015 ranked South Africa 78th out of 96 countries in the world in terms of its capacity to cater to the population over 60.

According to Age International, by 2050, over 2 billion people – or 21.5% of the global population – will be over 60 years of age, compared to the 900 million (12.3%) today.

By that time, over 46 countries will be considered “hyper-aging” – where the 60+ populations outnumber the 15 and under groups.

“Growing older is an experience we all share. Today’s over 60s are the world’s fastest growing population group, profoundly affecting our economies, living arrangements, and personal and professional aspirations,” the group said,

Thus, countries need to adapt and ensure that this group is well-cared for. The AgeWatch Index measures a country’s capacity to do this in terms of income security, health, capability and providing an enabling environment for old people.

Best and worst

For the third year in a row, Switzerland topped the rankings, holding its title as the best country to grow old in. The upper-reaches of the index are made up mature economies, dominated by European nations.

On the opposite end of the index, African countries largely account for the lower positions, with 10 countries, including South Africa, finding space in the bottom 20.

The worst place for old people is Afghanistan, however.

South Africa

The AgeWatch index echoes sentiments expressed in the Natixis Global Retirement Index, released in February 2015, which ranked South Africa 130th out of 150 countries as a retirement destination.

By 2030, South Africa’s 60+ population is expected to reach 6.3 million people (10.5% of the population) – up from 4.2 million (7.7%) in 2015.

According to Age International, while South Africa has a human rights protocol for older people, a national ageing policy and a social grant planned to turn into a universal pension by 2016, the country still faces challenges of chronic poverty and a high prevalence of HIV, which increase the pressure on older people to care for orphans.

“While South Africa has improved its integration of older people into a development framework, it still faces many problems: no defined strategy; unclear roles and responsibilities; weak coordination among government agencies and NGOs; and a lack of skilled staff as well as insufficient budgets,” it said.

Despite its low ranking, South Africa is still the second best place for the elderly in Africa, after Mauritius (42).

The country ranks most highly for its income security (19th, overall), but in terms of health (89th), capability (69th) and enabling environment (83rd), it lags far behind other nations.

More on old people

Most South Africans are nowhere near ready for retirement

R20 billion in unclaimed retirement funds in SA

South Africa among the worst countries to retire in