Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)2024-08-302024-08-302024https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/413https://youtu.be/eVnOQFl2hEMMP4 Video, Size: 642MB; Duration: 1:39As of 2022, it is estimated that more than 5 million people, approximately 9%) of South Africa’s population are aged 60 years. Notably, over 60% are females . The increase of the elderly has great impact on socio-economic factors such as access to health care, income, housing etc. The government introduced an Older Persons Act (2006) to establish a framework which aimed to empower, care and support older persons, while promoting their status, rights, wellbeing, safety and security. However, the government’s efforts to successfully design and facilitate support mechanisms for the elderly to live well and independently within the community have been rather slow. In light of this, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) hosted the 12th ASSAf Presidential Roundtable Discussion titled “Perspectives on the Quality of Life and Well-being of the Elderly in South Africa” virtually on 14 August 2024. The discussions were led by Prof Himla Soodyall (ASSAf Executive Officer); Prof Crain Soudien, Emeritus Professor in Education and African Studies, UCT; Prof Elena Moore, Professor of Sociology, UCT and Ms Femada Shamam, CEO of The Association for The Aged. The panellists provided expertise on the on the state of quality of life and well-being of the elderly in South Africa, followed by recommendations on the roles that government, business, research institutions, civil society and the society should play in order to improve the ageing experience and quality of life of the elderly. The ASSAf Presidential Roundtables (PRT) on Science, Scholarship and Society are evidence-based dialogues that bring together high-level experts and stakeholders to address critical issues affecting society at large and are of interest to a broad audience. The roundtables are hosted bi-annually by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and are moderated by the President of the Academy.enWell-beingQuality of lifeElderlyASSAf PRTSA Elderly WellbeingSDG 3Video