Does education influence the value of older persons? Assessing socio-demographic determinants of older persons’ value in Uganda

Abstract

Although older persons make substantial contribution to their communities, there is paucity of information on determinants of their value in Uganda. This study of 605 older persons from 4 rural districts and one urban centre examines socio-demographic determinants of the value of older persons in the country. The findings from a binary logistic regression indicate that older persons who were aged 60-69, educated to primary and above, owned land, with migrant children, with limb ill-health and lived in the Western, Northern and Kampala urban regions of the country were more likely to have high aggregate value than those who were aged 80+, uneducated, landless, with no migrant children, with no limb ill-health and lived in the Central region. It is recommended that later-life socioeconomic programmes be designed, learner access and retention in education system be increased and a special age fund be established for all.