This book systematically explores the lives and varied experiences of older people in South Africa. Though a relatively youthful country, the share of the population aged sixty and above in South Africa is increasing steadily and is projected to reach 10% of the population by 2025. Population ageing is having major and far-reaching implications for a country with widespread poverty, changing household structures, a heavy burden of communicable diseases, and inadequate health infrastructure. Pandemics, such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, exacerbate many of the challenges faced by older people. Drawing on original research from national surveys and case studies, this book explores the various experiences and challenges of older people in their daily lives, such as their healthcare, social and family lives, their socio-economic status, mental health, and what it means to be an older person in South Africa today.

Pranitha Maharaj is a Professor in the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. She holds a PhD in Population Health and Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. She publishes in top international and national journals, has edited three books, and has completed a five-year term as the editor-in-chief of the Southern African Journal of Demography.