Elderly vulnerability: Why our laughter at desperation is troubling

In a recent incident, a video surfaced on social media showing an elderly woman from Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape allegedly taking food from a shop without paying. This prompted an initial reaction of laughter, possibly due to the presentation or the normalization of consuming uncomfortable human experiences on social media. However, upon reflection, a troubling question emerged: How has society become desensitized to the suffering of the elderly?

The woman's circumstances remain unknown, including the accuracy of the allegations and the motivation behind her actions. While it is unwise to speculate, the incident served as a catalyst for considering the financial pressures faced by ordinary South Africans, particularly the elderly who must manage limited incomes. Funeral insurance has become a significant product in South Africa, providing financial protection during a vulnerable period.

However, there is a growing concern about whether we have become too efficient in helping people prepare for death while neglecting to assess their ability to live. Consider an elderly pensioner receiving a modest monthly income who accumulates multiple funeral policies, each purchased separately by different providers. While each policy may seem affordable at the time of purchase, the cumulative cost can consume a significant portion of the pensioner's income before they have addressed essential needs such as food, electricity, medication, or transport.

This example highlights a structural weakness in the financial system, where the individual consumer may be unaware of the combined financial impact of their policies. South Africa has made strides in making financial products more accessible, but accessibility does not guarantee financial wellbeing. Consumers may hold multiple policies without understanding how they overlap, which family members are covered, the waiting periods, or whether the combined premiums remain affordable.

The consequences of these decisions may remain hidden until a pension arrives and debit orders begin, leaving the person financially vulnerable. The issue goes beyond funeral insurance; it reflects a broader concern about financial inclusion. While there is a focus on increasing product ownership and formal financial participation, we must question whether these commitments enhance the lives of consumers.

A person can be financially included while experiencing financial distress. Regulators, insurers, retailers, and consumer protection advocates must address this contradiction. One potential solution is the creation of a secure digital platform that consolidates funeral policy information from various providers, presented with the consumer's consent and safeguards.

This platform could provide a clear overview of premiums, benefits, insured family members, waiting periods, and potential overlaps, empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their financial commitments.