South Africa has one of the most rapidly ageing populations in Africa, and the proportion of older persons has been increasing steadily over time. While living longer is a significant achievement, it is equally concerning as ageing is occurring in a context where poverty is widespread. This study uses data from the 2017 South African National Income Dynamics Survey to explore poverty among older people. The study examines key socio-demographic and economic determinants of poverty among older people in South Africa. The results indicate that more older people are living below the upper-bound poverty line in comparison to those who are food poor. Older Black African women with lower levels of education who have never been married, have a higher risk of living in poverty. More older people accessing a grant live in poverty. This demonstrates the importance of social protection in alleviating household poverty.