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look after their elderly members, or which will enable old people
on their own to live independently, and in dignity, in the community
for as long as possible; secondly, to provide residential instituticna).
facilities for those who for health or other reasons, can no longer
live with their families or on their own; and thirdly, to promote a
better understanding of the process of aging so that old age can
become a more positive and productive period, not only for the elderly
themselves, but also for the community at large. Social integration
of the elderly within the community is important since it is only
through a continuous involvement in community life that old people
can retain their self-esteem, respect and sense of belonging.
Moreover, this will allow them to put to good use the skills and
experience acquired during their younger days.
health care and the quality of life for the elderly should be enhanced.
In this manner,
4.4
The specific areas of expansion are described in greater
detail in the following paragraphs.
GF 323
Cash Payments
4.5
Paragraphs 33 to 3.11 outline the improvements made in
social security benefits. Those that concern the elderly specifically
are the Old Age Supplement payable under the ublic Assistance scheme
to those aged 60 and over who are not receiving an Clà "ge or
Disability Allowance, and extension of the ld Age 1lowance to those
between 70 and 74 and to those in residential institutional
accommodation. With the lowering of the age limit for the ld ge
Allowance, an additional 76,000 people will qualify for this
allowance.
The Government does not contemplate any further lowering
of this limit for the time being in view of the generally improved
cash benefits for the elderly but will keep all social security
payments under regular review.
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