Older Persons Act Amended

On 6 November 2025, The Older Persons Amendment Bill was signed into law and gazetted as the Older Persons Amendment Act. This marks a significant step forward in how South Africa protects, empowers, and honours older persons.

Introduced in 2022 and led by the Department of Social Development, the Act amends the 2006 Older Persons Act to respond to contemporary realities such as ageism, fragmented services, and the urgent need for protection in cases of abuse.

Why this matters

1. Stronger protection against abuse and ageism
Older persons can now be placed in temporary safe care for up to six months in urgent cases, without initial court delays. The Act also explicitly mandates action against age-based discrimination.
2. Modern, inclusive care definitions
The definition of an “older person” is now uniformly set at 60+, removing gender distinctions. The Act recognises assisted living, independent living, and family care, while requiring accredited standards for caregivers. Rehabilitation is expanded to include spiritual well-being alongside physical and social care.
3. Improved coordination and accountability
A new interdepartmental task structure strengthens collaboration across Social Development, Health, Justice, and Police. Provincial planning must now prioritise older persons – with NGOs, families, and the private sector formally recognised as partners in care delivery.

Strengthening services

These amendments strengthen oversight of services, improve equity across care models, and support a shift toward community-based care.

With more than 6.6 million South Africans aged 60+, this Act reinforces constitutional rights to dignity, and aligns with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. It is both a policy milestone and a moral commitment.

Call to Action

“Reform on paper matters,” says Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam. “But reform in practice, rooted in aligned systems and shared accountability is what ultimately promotes dignity as we age.

We call on advocates to support rapid implementation of the new regulations; business to invest in community-based care and social infrastructure; and communities to collaborate
intentionally. Age-friendly is not enough — we must be age-ready.
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