Perceived Effect of the Old Age Allowance on the Well-being of Older Persons in Bangladesh

Abstract

The Old Age Allowance Program (OAAP) provides cash aid to support impoverished older persons, which is important for ensuring their well-being. The present study examined the positive effect of the Old Age Allowance (OAA) on the well-being of older persons in Bangladesh, as perceived by both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. The study also explored the factors that contribute to a perceived positive effect among allowance beneficiaries. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 309 older individuals, comprising 206 beneficiaries and 103 non-beneficiaries. The study used a 16-item Likert scale (α = 0.719) to measure the perceived positive effect of OAA. Data were analyzed using t-tests and correlation coefficients at the bivariate level, as well as multiple linear regression to identify the correlates of the perceived positive effects of OAA among allowance beneficiaries. The findings showed that non-beneficiaries of OAA reported a greater perceived positive effect of OAA than the beneficiary group. The results also showed that years of schooling, place of residence, and social media use were significant factors shaping the perceived positive effect of OAA among allowance beneficiaries. The study suggests increasing the allowance, especially in urban areas.

Social Science Review [The Dhaka University Studies, Part-D], Vol.43, No.1, June 2026, pp. 289-303.