A man speaks at a conference on the need for broader elder care systems in Botswana.
Botswana made headlines in 2025 after raising its universal old-age pension by nearly 70%, boosting monthly payments for citizens aged 65 and older. While the increase offered welcome financial relief amid rising living costs, new research from the Wellcome Trust–funded Family Caregiving Programme suggests the policy barely scratches the surface of a deeper problem: who actually cares for the elderly. The study found that caregiving—largely carried out by daughters and female relatives—is becoming increasingly strained as families face poverty, water shortages, and the lingering effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Without stronger support systems such as community care services, disability assistance, and reliable infrastructure, analysts warn that pensions alone cannot meet the growing demands of an aging population.
The Conversation