There are approximately 710 300 persons over the age of 60 years living in Gauteng of whom 50% live in black townships.
The elderly population makes up only 6.6% of the total population. In Gauteng 97% of the households with aged people are in urban areas. Gauteng is generally regarded as a well developed province with a life expectancy of 69 years for women and 60 years for men. Gauteng has the highest gross geographic product amongst persons 60+ [R25 637]. Gauteng has the highest number of facilities available for older persons. With 200 registered homes, close to 150 NGO’s and approximately 90 service centers.
Age-in-Action gives support to
organizations of all racial groups that are affiliated to them. We
currently have 150 affiliated members. Despite all this, the majority of elderly live in poverty
– families are affected by HIV/AIDS. Older persons do not have the traditional
protection by the family and they are soft targets for crime and abuse.
During 2007 additional social work
posts were allocated to the Gauteng Provincial office.
Currently
we have 23 staff members rendering services to
150 member organizations.
Social work services are rendered to older persons in the following areas:
Johannesburg CBD, Tshwane, Sedibeng, West Rand and Ekurhuleni.
Staff is also assisting older persons
to obtain identity documents.
The recreational program in the
Province was revived.Our recreational co-ordinator
is presently assisting marginalized communities to start recreational and sport activities
with
older persons as
well as providing training to trainers of the provincial offices (nationally). 
This program includes physical exercises, mental exercises, skills development e.g. paper
making and fun days.
Preparation for Retirement Training
Age-in-Action has developed a capacity building program for corporates and members of
pension funds. This program also forms part of the fundraising initiative of the
Duration of course : 2 days Training fee: R 500 per person per
day Affiliates:
R 200 per person per day
Other Training Courses
(Offered)
Training on the Older Persons Act No 13, of 2006
Life Skills for Older Persons (Parenting Skills)
This program was developed to assist Old Age Homes and organizations that render services to older persons and is developed to make staff aware of prevention thereof as well as dealing with HIV/Aids at home. It is presented within 4 hours and all shifts are accommodated.
For more information please contact Mrs Lowina Fourie at 011 331 8509.
Empowerment Programme
Empowerment of Luncheon club management committees to manage
their clubs effectively e.g. writing of business plans, constitutions and roles of office
bearers.
Elder Abuse Awareness
Program
We have 2 Chief Social Workers, 3 Social Workers and 2
Auxilliary Social Workers coordinating the Elder Abuse programme in the
Information sessions for volunteers and staff of organizations
regarding the process of ageing, needs of older persons, detecting elder abuse, court
preparation for older persons.
Care Workers Programme
Co-ordinate a care workers program in seven previously
disadvantaged areas - Kagiso, Mohlakeng, Evaton, Sebokeng, Duduza, Palmridge, Meadowlands
with 48 Care workers.
Poverty Alleviation
The implementation of poverty alleviation projects e.g. the
manufacturing of cleaning detergents and candles in identified communities.
Multi-Purpose Centre in
Sebokeng
Age-in-Action
World Elder
Abuse Day 13 June 20
Partnerships with/Stakeholders
Department of Social Development
Alzheimers
Local
Authorities throughout