AS the world marked International Day of Older Persons on October 1, Association for the Aged (Tafta) has called for senior citizens to be afforded greater dignity and social security.

Tafta is calling on government and policymakers to strengthen social protection, healthcare and planning for an ageing population, while challenging employers to reconsider age-related barriers.

Tafta CEO Femada Shamam said South Africans are living longer, which requires society to adapt health, social protection and long-term care systems to suit the country’s changing demographics.

“International Day of Older Persons gives us an opportunity to celebrate the older people who have shaped our families, communities and country, but this year’s theme asks us to go further,” said Shamam.

“If we are fortunate enough to live longer, we must ensure those additional years can be lived with security, good health, purpose, choice and belonging.”

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The 2026 theme, ‘The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives’, places focus on adapting systems while strengthening financial security, inclusive labour markets, lifelong learning and environments that support health and dignity throughout the ageing journey.

To ensure this happens, Shamam called for the elderly to have a much louder voice when it comes to their rights and participation in decisions that affect their lives.

“We must ask what those additional years will look like and whether people will have access to the financial security, healthcare, appropriate housing, support networks and opportunities they need to continue living meaningful and independent lives.

“Preparing for an ageing population cannot rest with the elder care sector alone. It requires government, business, communities, families and individuals to recognise that ageing is a shared responsibility.”

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Among the concerns facing older people is financial security, which has been raised often, particularly among state pension recipients who are struggling to make ends meet on the SASSA Older Person’s Grant.

Tafta chief financial officer Nita Sewpersad said financial preparedness for longevity needs to begin well before older age.

“We need to encourage financial literacy, saving and long-term planning throughout the life course, while acknowledging that many South Africans reach older age without adequate retirement provision,” said Sewpersad.

“Financial security cannot therefore only be about how muc h an individual has managed to save. We must also consider whether our social protection systems and services are equipped to support people as they live longer, particularly those with limited financial means.”

Tafta is also supporting the broader international conversation around ageism and the rights of older people.

The global #OldEnoughTo campaign challenges assumptions about what people are considered “too old” to do and encourages greater recognition of older people’s agency, choices and contributions.

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