NOAH works in a world where the population is ageing – the number and proportion of older people is increasing, the rate of increase is accelerating and social provision for this lags far behind need.  This is true in rich and poor countries, but poor countries have had less time to prepare and the population is ageing faster.

This need not be a bad thing.  If people remain active and involved in their communities and live in an age-friendly society they can continue to be valued and to make a contribution to society as they age.

South Africa faces rapid population ageing at a time when families and communities are affected by HIV/AIDS and the social ills of unemployment and poverty.

Far from being supported by their families and communities, many older people have taken responsibility for their grandchildren both financially and providing the family structure which they need to be secure and happy. This raises urgent questions about who meets the needs of older people when they need help themselves.

The Western Cape Province has the highest life expectancy in South Africa and this is increasing faster than other provinces. Of the population of the province, it is estimated that 8.6% (453,957) are 60 years and older.  Most of these are women (56.7%) and 48% receive old age grants while the national average is 65%.  The largest group of older people in the province has a monthly income between R801 and R1,601, which includes the old age grant, reflecting their poverty in a relatively prosperous province. (Social and Demographic Trends of the Western Cape 2009, compiled by the Directorate: Research and Population Development, DSD, August 2009)

NOAH answers this need with its sustainable programme of homes and services for older people in the Western Cape.

Replicating the model
Facilities for poor older people dependent on state pensions are very limited and the financial disparities carried forward from apartheid are far from redress.  Older people throughout South Africa, including the Western Cape Province live with the pressures of family responsibilities and care for frail dependents and young children, poverty, abuse of various kinds and insecurity.

NOAH’s programme of homes and services for the poorest older people is aligned with international best practice: keeping people healthy, active and engaged in their communities as long as possible. This is an innovative programme, adapted to changing circumstances. 

There is a massive gap in the provision of any independent housing of this kind for social pensioners.  There is no state subsidy for independent living houses and very little provision by non-profit organisations and the state. 

NOAH is overwhelmed by applications for places in all our homes and has had to close the waiting list because there is no chance of accommodating those on the existing list.

NOAH’s response is not to increase its own houses and services – one organisation cannot do it all - but to promote its model and to encourage other NPOs, the state and informal bodies to replicate it within their communities, alone and in partnership.   This is an exciting programme, built on confidence that the NOAH model is appropriate and flexible enough to meet the growing need.

Over nearly 3 decades, NOAH has learned that an integrated approach is the only way to address the varied needs of older people.

Our model has grown to include a cluster of services for elderly residents and members of the surrounding community.