Aging & Social Change: Tenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Ugandan older people (OP) are working in unsafe, irregular, low-paid, and strenuous jobs. They are chronically poor, yet have the right to dignity and security at work. 85% of OP live in rural areas and work in agricultural sector with no social security, rendering them highly vulnerable to neglect and face discrimination in accessing social services. Their economic situation is worsened by the burden of looking after AIDS orphans. We supported 80 local OP associations to inform OP about their right to social protection (SP); strengthened skills of OP leaders and OP associations to monitor and advocate for policy change at local level; worked with Uganda Reach the Aged Association and HelpAge International, Uganda Civil Society Platform for SP and Ministry of Gender for delivery of SP; used data collected by older citizen monitors, peer exchange visits by project staff, project monitoring reports and reviewed literature on voice and accountability in SP. Pension has transformed OP lives, households, and their wider communities. Poverty rate of households receiving the pension fell from 49% to 33% while the proportion experiencing hunger reduced from 55% to 38%. Pensioners have invested their cash in establishing small businesses, purchasing livestock, and agricultural inputs. 50% OP receive assistance from other households. Social pensions reduce old-age poverty and improve OP’s access to healthcare by enabling them pay for travel to health centres and treatment. Social pensions renew OP’s sense of dignity by giving them financial independence and opportunity to be involved in household decision-making and social networks.