While a single definition, such as chronological age or social/cultural/functional markers, is commonly used by, amongst others, demographers, sociologists, anthropologists, economists and researchers, it seems more appropriate in Africa to use a combination of chronological, functional and social definitions. However, the challenge of how to incorporate a suitable multidimensional definition into the "pensionable age" concept remains. It was felt that by using age 50 years, this project will be indirectly incorporating these other definitions.