This article explores the factors associated with the syndrome of poverty in old age in developing countries in general and Zimbabwe in particular. Available data show that the majority of older persons in Zimbabwe are not covered by existing social security schemes. Furthermore, the benefits for the minority who are covered are not adequate. It is therefore necessary to adopt legislation specific to older persons through the establishment of old age pensions in order to address poverty in old age.
BelloH.LeteteM.RapapaM.ChakobaneL. (2008) ‘An Evaluation of the Poverty Reduction Impact of the Non-contributory Old Age Pension Programme in Lesotho: The Case of Manonyane’, Review of Southern African Studies: A Journal of the Institute of Southern Africa Studies12(1&2): 76–105.
3.
ChiterekaC. (2010) ‘People with Disabilities and the Role of Social Workers in Lesotho’, Social Work and Society8(1): 82–93.
4.
CroomDMapetlaM. (2007) The Impact of Old Age Pension in Lesotho: Pilot Survey Results of Manonyame Community Council Area. Roma: NUL-Roma Institute of Southern African Studies.
5.
DhembaJ. (1998) ‘Options for Extending Formal Social Security to Rural Households’, in KasekeE. (ed.) Social Security Systems in Rural Zimbabwe. Harare: Fredrich Ebert Stiftung.
6.
FerreiraH.R. (1999) The Poverty Reduction Strategy of the Government of Brazil. New York: Oxford University.
7.
FerreiraM. (2005) ‘Advancing Income Security in Old Age in Developing Countries: Focus on Africa’, Global Ageing2(3): 32–6.
8.
HelpAge International (2004) Caring for the Future, Coping Strategies and Poverty Responses for Older People Caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Africa. London: HelpAge.
9.
HelpAge Zimbabwe (2002) Leading National Action on Ageing. Harare: HelpAge Zimbabwe.
KasekeE. (2010) ‘The Role of Social Security in South Africa’, International Social Work53(2): 184–215.
14.
KasekeE.ZimunyaV. (eds) (1992) Care of the Elderly in Zimbabwe. Edited Proceedings of a Workshop Held in Harare, Zimbabwe, 18–21 November 1991.
15.
KasekeE.DhembaJ.GumboP. (1998) Transferring Resources to Poor Households: The Case of Poor Households in Zimbabwe. Harare: School of Social Work.
16.
KasekeE.DhembaJ.GumboP.KasereC. (1998) The State and Dynamics of Social Policy Research and Practice in Zimbabwe. Harare: School of Social Work.
17.
KowalP.DawdJ.AboderinI.MadzingiraN. (2002) ‘Data for Older Adult Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa’. Available online at: http://www.thelancet.com/journal/lancet (accessed 21 December 2010).
18.
Legido-QuigleyH. (2003) The South African Old Age Pension: Exploring the Role on Poverty Alleviation in Households Affected by HIV/AIDS. London: IDM and HelpAge International.
19.
Lloyd-SherlockP. (2008) ‘Doing a Bit More for the Poor? Social Assistance in Latin America’, Journal of Social Policy37(4): 621–63.
20.
MadzingiraN. (1997) ‘Poverty and Ageing in Zimbabwe’, Journal of Social Development in Africa12(2): 5–19.
21.
MichaelC.KarumaP. (2000) ‘Financing Social Protection’, in ILO, Reflections on Reform Strategies for Social Protection in English-speaking African Countries. Geneva: ILO.
22.
NyanguruA.C. (2007) ‘The Economic and Social Impacts of the Old Age Pension on the Protection of the Basotho Elderly and their Households’. Available online at: http://www.pensionreforms.com (accessed 29 May 2010).
23.
ReynekeR. (2010) ‘Social Work Values and Ethics’, in NicholasL.RautenbachJ.MaistryM. (eds) Introduction to Social Work. Claremont: Juta and Co. Ltd.
24.
SchwarzA.M. (2003) ‘Old Age Security and Social Pensions’, Mimeo, World Bank, Washington, DC.
25.
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division (2009) ‘Population Ageing and Development’. Available online at: www.unpopulation.org (accessed 25 May 2011).
26.
WeaverH.N. (2006) ‘Social Work through an Indigenous Lens: Reflections on the State of Our Profession’, in HallN. (ed.) Social Work Making a World of Difference, Social Work Around the World 1V in the Year of IFSW 50th Jubilee, pp. 37–51. Berne: IFSW and Fafo.
