Section 82: Rights of the elderly
Constitution of Zimbabwe
People over the age of seventy years have the right—
(a) to receive reasonable care and assistance from their families and the State;
(b) to receive health care and medical assistance from the State; and
(c) to receive financial support by way of social security and welfare; and the State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to achieve the progressive realisation of this right.
Insight: Rights of the Elderly
This provision establishes a social safety net specifically for Zimbabwe's elderly population (70+). It recognizes both family and state responsibility in elder care, creating a dual support system. The progressive realization clause acknowledges economic constraints while still establishing elder care as a constitutional priority that cannot be ignored by policymakers.