RAISE AWARENESS OF THE UNIQUE NEEDS AND POTENTIAL OF OLDER PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

1. Contextualise life world of older people in SA

2. Policies and frameworks

3. Challenges associated with old age

4. Developmental needs of older people

5. Social needs

6. Psychological needs

7. Potential of older people

8. How to engage with older people

9. How not to engage with older people

AIM OF PRESENTATION

Sharp increase in number of people 60 +SA: 2009 = 3.7 million (5 % of population)2015 = 4.42 million (9.5 % of population)Implications for health and social services

CONTEXTUALISATION

2005 = South African Policy for Older persons2006 = Older persons Act Promote psycho-social, and physical well-being of older peopleKeep older people engaged in communities as long as possibleUN principles: being independent, participating, care, self-fulfilment, dignity

Poverty: Older people in South Africa amongst poorest people in SA25 % chronically poor2.3 million older people receive old-age grantSocial exclusion, migrationLack of access to care servicesInaccessibility of informationDiscriminationDiseases: TB, malaria, HIV/AIDS

•Unique circumstances and unique needs

•Meet older people within specific contexts

•Orientate them to participate from their understanding of the world

•Clear communication (instructions and content) in terms of

Expectations

Involvement

Information needed

•Demonstrate compassion and understanding for them as people

•Share interests and find common ground

•Plan sustainable involvement

•

HOW TO ENGAGE