Work

Poverty among older people in South Africa

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: South Africa has one of the most rapidly ageing populations in Africa, and the proportion of older persons has been increasing steadily over time. While living longer is a significant achievement, it is equally concerning as ageing is occurring in a context where poverty is wide-spread. This study uses data from the 2017 South African National Income Dynamics Survey to explore poverty among older people. The study examines key socio-demographic and economic determinants of poverty among older people in South Africa. The results indicate that more older people are living below the upper-bound poverty line in com-parison to those who are food poor. Older Black African women with lower levels of education who have never been married, have a higher risk of living in poverty. More older people accessing a grant live in poverty. This demonstrates the importance of social protection in alleviating household poverty.

Source: Human Science Research Council SA

DOI: 10.14749/32361258

Author: Human Sciences Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Income, Poverty, and Inequality

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Human Sciences Research Council

OpenAlex ID: W7162083160

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