SOUTH AFRICA: Molewa calls for concerted effort for needs of the elderly

. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa / The Times / August 8, 2009 A concerted effort needs to be made regarding the needs of the elderly in South Africa, Social Development Minister Edna Molewa said at the opening of the Phumula Old Age Home, in Bronkhorspruit on Saturday. "A concerted effort [needs to be made] from all sectors of society in comprehensively addressing the needs of older persons." "Too many older persons continue to live in poverty, face negative perceptions about ageing, continue to be victimised by merciless criminal elements and worst of all, exploitation and abuse, sometimes by their very own family members." She said that population trends show an increasing number of older persons world-wide. It is estimated that by 2040 the population of older persons will double to become 14 percent of the total world population. "South Africa has the highest percentage of older persons as compared to the rest of Africa, which is estimated at 5 percent. "In terms of the overall distribution of older person in South Africa, the largest concentration of older persons is in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape." She said the reality in most communities was that older people continued to bear the burden of providing care and support to an increasing number of orphans and vulnerable children. "We have all heard of horrifying stories of the abuse and neglect of older people within their own families and in residential facilities. I hope that Phumula will not be one of those Old Age Homes that make news headlines for all the wrong reasons." [rc] © 2008 AVUSA, Inc.