WHEREAS the Constitution establishes a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights and seeks to improve the quality of life of all citizens and to free the potential of each person;

AND WHEREAS, in terms of the Bill of Rights as set out in the Constitution, everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected;

AND WHEREAS the State must create an enabling environment in which the rights in the Bill of Rights must be respected, protected and fulfilled;

AND WHEREAS it is necessary to effect changes to existing laws relating to older persons in order to facilitate accessible, equitable and affordable services to older persons and to empower older persons to continue to live meaningfully and constructively in a society that recognises them as important sources of knowledge, wisdom and expertise.