Older people in Africa are among
those who have benefited least from
economic growth and development.
They, and their children, will make
up the majority of the 900 million
people who will still be in poverty
in 2015 even if the Millennium
Development Goals are met.
5
People
who are chronically poor all their
lives, and are unable to save for old
age, become particularly vulnerable
when they can no longer work, or if
their family cannot support them.
A survey of 15 African countries
found that in 11 of these countries
the proportion of older people living
in poverty was higher than the
national average. This is particularly
the case when older people live in
families with young children.
6
In
Uganda, 64 per cent of older people
live in poverty compared to 38 per
cent of the population as a whole.
7
This poverty prevents older people
from participating in society, and
from accessing services for themselves
and their families.
