The Effect of Old Age Pensions and on Household Nutritional Outcomes

Study Context

Africa’s aging population and shifting dietary patterns towards more refined products suggest a worrying trend for malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among the elderly. In addition to higher rates of obesity from these dietary changes, high levels of poverty have simultaneously led to significant levels of malnourishment, since many cannot afford to purchase nutrient-dense food. Social protection programs for the elderly, including universal old-age pension systems, are targeted to address poverty, health, and hunger. This study examined the impact of the Zanzibar Universal Pension Scheme (ZUPS), a non-contributory pension scheme available to all Zanzibar residents aged 70 and over, on the nutritional outcomes of the elderly and their households.

Study Design

The study analyzed household-level panel data from the 2019/20 Tanzania Living Standards Measurement Survey to evaluate the impact of ZUPS, which was introduced in 2016, on food demand and nutritional outcomes in 4,709 households.  Researchers assessed changes in nutrient intake and food consumption patterns within households, as well as explored the broader implications of these shifts on household food security and health.

Results and Policy Lessons:

Preliminary findings from the study reveal that the addition of an elderly family member shifts consumption priorities within the household. This shift suggests that elders may exert influence over household spending depending on their income source, particularly if they receive pensions, allowing for more nutritious food options, such as energy-rich foods and fresh produce. Older women, in particular, have a stronger influence on household food choices.

These findings suggest that expanding pension programs like ZUPS can significantly improve the nutrition of elderly people and their families. The study will continue by exploring additional datasets and examining how the pension income of elderly family members affects their influence on household food decisions.