Health services--needs of the elderly in two black urban areas of the Cape Peninsula.

The availability and utilisation of essential social and health services were studied in two urban areas, Langa, an established township well within the city boundaries, and Khayelitsha, a newly established and fast-growing township on the margin of the city. They are approximately 10 km and 30 km respectively from the central business district of Cape Town. Random cluster samples were drawn of 195 residents in Langa and of 170 in Khayelitsha (age range 59-89 years). Respondents' knowledge and use of the following services were ascertained: social, shopping, transport, doctors, clinics and services centres for the aged. The questionnaire was adapted from the widely used Duke Older American Resources and Services strategy and Gurland's Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation. Most of the elderly in both areas know where to obtain health and social services and transport. Residents of Langa have been in Cape Town much longer and therefore have fewer problems in using the services when needed. The people in Khayelitsha use the social worker services much more than the Langa residents.