In his keynote lecture, given as part of Larna’s Conference ‘Ageing in Latin America’ (Mexico City, 6th-8th November) Jaco Hoffmann discussed issues surrounding human centred approach to the development of housing for older people in South Africa.
“The family and the family home still constitute the most important support/care network and choice of habitation for older persons in Africa. Against the background of poverty, exacerbated by HIV/AIDS, it should however be noted that older persons residing with families under stress in low quality housing (shacks) in previously disadvantaged settlements are particularly vulnerable.“
Hoffmann's keynote explored participative and interactive planning to housing of older people in South Africa, in the context of a project developed by the he Witbank Society for the Aged in the province of Mpumalanga, South Africa, who embarked on the establishment of a cultural-sensitive service centre and housing for the aged. The presentation examined the ways in which participation by older persons was facilitated in the planning and design process, and discussed theoretical and methodological considerations.
Jaco Hoffmann is co-ordinator for the African Research on Ageing Network (AFRAN), a United Nations endorsed programme, hosted by the Oxford Institute of Ageing. He has published on intergenerational relationships in Africa, in particulat in the context of HIV/AIDS, and is actively involved in various programmes in the field of ageing in South Africa.
