South Africa Active Ageing Week from 25 to 31 October 2020

SOUTH AFRICA - Active Aging Week highlights the capabilities of older persons as fully participating members of society and encourages them to participate in simple exercises. 

This rise in life expectancy in South Africa say the government has also seen older persons making up a larger proportion of the population than before.

This improvement puts South Africa on track to achieve the goal of the National Development Plan, which is to increase life expectancy to 70 by 2030.

According to the 2020 Mid-year population estimates report from Stats SA, life expectancy in the country has been on the increase since 2007

Life expectancy at birth for 2020 is estimated at 62,5 years for males and 68,5 years for females.

The report is in line with the 2018 World Health Organisation, which also showed a rise in life expectancy.

Government calls on all South Africans to prevent the spread of non-communicable and chronic lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

The majority of non-communicable diseases are caused by poor life-style choices, including poor diet and a lack of physical activity.

South African can reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases through improved nutrition and improved physical activity.

The social benefits of physical activity include long-term health benefits, stronger and more secure communities, closer family units and better social cohesion.

The Government has commend sports and recreation clubs that actively encourage the elderly to take up a healthy lifestyle and call upon others to do so. 

Image: Active Aging.

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