Vulnerable Groups Series II: The Social Profile of Older Persons, 2011–2015

"The Vulnerable groups series II: the social profile of older persons 2011-2015, report provides statistics on the socio-economic conditions and social profile of older persons including their living conditions, medical aid coverage, access to basic services, old age grant and pension coverage rates, employment, illiteracy rates & education levels, and their migration patterns, amongst others. The report will also present changes in the number of older persons living below the poverty lines."

"Census data suggest that the proportion of the total population that consists of persons 60 years and older has been increasing steadily since 2001. In 2016, 4,5 million people or 8,1% of the South African population were 60 years and older. Between 2001 and 2016 the aging index increased from 23 to 27, further confirming an increasingly older population. In terms of absolute numbers, Gauteng (1,2 million) and KwaZulu-Natal (0,8 million) had the most numerous elderly populations. The growing population of elderly persons reflects improvements in quality of life as well as life expectancy that have taken place during the past 10 years. However, it does have implications for planning and policy formulation, especially with regards to social safety nets provided for the elderly."