Old-age poverty omnipresent

More can and must be done to ensure the dignity, safety and prosperity of old people in Namibia, a UN expert has said.Rosa Kornfeld-Matte, a UN independent expert on the enjoyment of human rights by older persons, has called on the Namibian government to “deploy every effort possible to finalise and put into motion the comprehensive national policy on the rights, care and protection of older people”. She said although there were many factors contributing to inequality in the country, including the legacy of colonial rule, “this does not mean that the existing disparities in income and land distribution are acceptable, and I have to insist that more can and needs to be done to fight old-age poverty.”While she commended various government initiatives aimed at preserving the human rights of the elderly and lessening the gap between rich and poor, she said it was crucial for the government to begin investing in health and care infrastructure required to provide alternatives to old people, specifically in the rural areas. Kornfeld-Matte acknowledged that the country's extensive system of social grants was a laudable achievement, but said it must be noted that in many households the old-age grant was the sole income.“I acknowledge the huge positive impact of the old-age grant on reducing poverty levels, while it is important to ensure that earmarked assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries.”Another issue she warned about is an increase of violence, abuse and maltreatment of older persons, in particular women, in Namibia. She said it is estimated that around 4% to 6% of older persons have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. Apart from the impact of poverty, inequality and substance abuse as contributing factors, she said that “entrenched attitudes including corporal punishment” needed to be tackled urgently by the government. She said studies showed that the proportion of older persons has remained constant at 7% since independence, but projections indicate that this population group is expected to grow faster now.An ageing society presents numerous challenges, she explained.“It will result in immense pressure on the care system, as a growing number of older persons will be living with chronic diseases and disability.”Moreover, low population densities and accelerated levels of urbanisation have the potential to erode traditional family care systems, which have acted as safety nets for ageing relatives. “Care can no longer be considered simply a family matter and I call on the government to step up its efforts to revise the Aged Persons Act in order to fully provide for the rights, protection, care and welfare of older people.”Kornfeld-Matte said the international community can play an important role in provide technical cooperation and capacity building, and should heed that responsibility.She said she would do her utmost to encourage the international community to continue its cooperation with Namibia, including through financial and specific technical support.During her 10-day visit to Namibia, Kornfeld-Matte visited Windhoek, Katutura, Okahandja as well as Rundu, Silikunga, Zone and Mpungu in the Kavango regions and met with government and non-governmental representatives. She also met with older persons and their representatives, hearing about their experiences first-hand. JANA-MARI SMITH

Old-age poverty omnipresent

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-21

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Old-age poverty omnipresent

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-21

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