Ageing in South Africa: Trends and Determinants

South Africa is undergoing major demographic changes with a significant proportion of the population aged 60 years and over. This chapter provides an in-depth examination of population ageing in South Africa, with a specific focus on the pace, magnitude, and determinants. An ageing population is largely driven by decreases in fertility and mortality. While more South Africans are living longer, this does not mean that they are living in good health due to health issues and functional limitations that accompany ageing. The ageing population exhibits differences in relation to age, gender, and other characteristics, including living arrangements, marital status, and use of healthcare resources. As population ageing is increasingly highlighted as a concern, projections and forecasting will allow for effective implementation of initiatives at varying levels. This chapter highlights the urgent need for infrastructure and services to be accessible and available to accommodate the ageing population.