Botswana has made notable progress in providing financial support for its older population through the expansion of its old-age pension system.Over the past 20 years, the number of citizens aged 60 and above has doubled, and recent reforms lowered the pension eligibility age from 65 to 60 while increasing monthly benefits.This has helped many older persons meet basic needs and often supports entire households.However, despite these gains, investment in care services has not kept pace.

Programmes such as the destitute allowance, disability grants, and home-based care have stagnated or declined, leaving many older people without adequate care.Ageing in Botswana increasingly comes with health challenges and disabilities, but access to support beyond pensions remains limited.

Families, traditionally the primary caregivers, are under strain due to the impacts of HIV/AIDS, migration, and rising female employment, reducing the availability of informal care.Many older-person households face food insecurity and lack basic services, particularly in rural areas.

Experts argue that social protection should shift from a narrow focus on pensions to a broader approach that includes care services, which could also create jobs and support economic growth.

Community initiatives are helping, but stronger public investment is needed to meet the growing demand and ensure older citizens can age with dignity.