Dr Rayne Stroebel is a pioneering voice in the field of ageing, with a career rooted in personal experience and a profound dedication to enhancing the lives of older adults. His journey began as a young boy in Heidelberg, where he observed his mother’s compassionate transformation of a local care home, filling it with laughter, fresh flowers, and the warmth of home-cooked meals. This early exposure ignited his lifelong commitment to creating a life worth living for older people. Pursuing his passion academically, Rayne earned an MSc and later a PhD in Dementia Studies, equipping him with the expertise to impact both individuals and institutions. In 1996, he founded GERATEC to support elder care services in South Africa, guided by values of integrity, respect, compassion, and innovation.

As the South African Regional Coordinator for The Eden Alternative, Rayne fosters transformative approaches to elder care, championing environments that promote dignity, autonomy, and community. He has trained over 3,000 caregivers, spoken at international conferences, and inspired care models emphasising the well-being of those living with dementia and their families. A respected thought leader and educator, he serves as an executive member of the International Longevity Centre of South Africa and continues to consult with care providers, families, and organisations, shaping a more compassionate narrative of ageing worldwide.