THE Association for The Aged (Tafta) are looking at reshaping the systems, services and environments that impact older people’s lives so that they can live longer lives with more dignity and purpose.

Also read: Tafta residents sow seeds of hope

Theme for 2026

In commemoration of its 2026 theme, The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives, the organisation wishes to make changes to ensure that senior citizens live their best lives.

“The theme places focus on adapting health, social protection and long-term care systems to changing demographics, while strengthening financial security, inclusive labour markets, lifelong learning and environments that support health and dignity throughout the ageing journey,” said Tafta in a statement.

Meaning of increased longevity

Femada Shamam, Tafta CEO, said that living longer lives should be celebrated and it should not be dampened by the idea of getting older meaning you have less opportunities or choices.

“Age should never be an assumption about what a person can do, contribute, learn or decide. Older people have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives and to have their voices heard. 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,” said Shamam.

She added that the process of ageing cannot be made entirely by senior citizens but require the help of government, businesses, communities and families.

Challenges of ageing

Tafta notes that these challenges extend beyond provision of care. Age-based assumptions influence access to employment, training, healthcare, financial services, digital platforms and various other areas of everyday life.

The organisation is calling for the systems to recognise older people as participants, decision makers and contributors.

Financial security

Nita Sewpersad, Tafta CFO, said that senior citizens should be financially well prepared long before they reach old 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. Financial security cannot therefore only be about how much 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,” she said.

Tafta remains firm in their call for policymakers to strengthen social protection, healthcare and planning for an ageing population.

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