Rising living costs threaten the affordability for the Western Cape's elderly
Elderly residents face mounting pressure as the Western Cape’s ageing population collides with rising living costs.
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The Western Cape is emerging as one of South Africa’s fastest-ageing provinces at a time when the cost of living is climbing sharply, raising concerns about whether residents can afford to grow old in the region.
New data from Statistics South Africa shows that the number of people aged 60 and older in the province has more than doubled over the past two decades, rising from about 404 000 in 2002 to roughly 938 000 in 2025.
The province now has one of the highest shares of elderly residents in the country at 12.3%, well above the national average.
“This rapid ageing presents unique and complex challenges that differ markedly from those faced in many other countries,” according to Stats SA.
But behind the numbers lies a growing public concern, whether residents can afford to age with dignity in a province where housing, food and transport costs continue to climb.
Cape Town is widely regarded as one of the most expensive cities in South Africa, with property prices and rentals increasingly out of reach for pensioners and those on fixed incomes.
The provincial government has increased funding for older persons to R254 million, supporting more than 100 residential facilities and over 150 community service centres. However, demand continues to outstrip supply, while many facilities are run by non-governmental organisations, highlighting ongoing capacity constraints.
At the same time, some pensioners have raised concerns about sharp increases in property rates and other municipal costs, further straining already limited incomes.
For many older residents, social grants are stretched across entire households, with pensioners supporting children and grandchildren in multigenerational homes.
Safety concerns and access to healthcare services remain critical issues, particularly for vulnerable elderly residents reliant on public systems.
The combination of rising costs and a growing elderly population is placing pressure on government to respond with targeted policies, including affordable housing, accessible healthcare and safer communities.
Projections show that the number of older people in the Western Cape will continue to rise sharply in the coming decades, intensifying demand for services and infrastructure.