Maharaj, Pranitha.Gininda, Sindiswa Menzi Zamaswazi.2022-02-042022-02-0420202020https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/handle/10413/20164Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The number of elderly has increased in South Africa, however, ageing is usually accompanied by poorer health. There are health concerns as a person ages, which necessitate regular check-ups. There is a dearth in research that places focus on the health of the elderly. This study aims to fill this gap by attempting to shed insights into the provision of healthcare services for both elderly men and women. For this study, data was obtained from face-toface, in-depth interviews conducted with elderly women and men from Umkomaas, Ilfracombe. In total, 20 interviews were held with 15 women and 5 men. The elderly have different experiences when seeking healthcare and accessing healthcare services at the clinic. The findings of the study indicate that the elderly encounter challenges when seeking healthcare and accessing healthcare services at the clinic. In addition, the findings of the study also revealed that in some cases the elderly seek healthcare and access healthcare services at the hospital. Despite the challenges they encounter, there are enabling factors that encourages them to continue seeking healthcare and accessing healthcare services at the clinic. The study suggests the need to prioritise healthcare for the elderly especially the ones in rural and semi-rural areas. The elderly from the rural and semi-rural areas are usually neglected when it comes to the provision of healthcare services. The study recommends that more efforts need to be directed to addressing the issue of high patient numbers. More skilled nurses need to be employed at clinics, this will go a long way in overcoming some of the problems at health facilities. The government should focus on enhancing the quality of healthcare through reforms that promote healthy ageing, health facilities that are ageing friendly, with qualified workers, adequate medicines, this can result in satisfaction for the elderly.enElderly women.Aged--KwaZulu-Natal--Ilfracombe.Thesis