By Shanker Man Singh

 

The available sources highlight a multitude of challenges confronting senior citizens in Nepal, many of which are deeply rooted in social and economic structures.

Economic Insecurity:

Many senior citizens face financial struggles, stemming from limited opportunities to save or invest for retirement, especially in rural areas. While Nepal has implemented social security programs like the “old age allowance,” these often reach only a fraction of those in need. For example, only 20% of eligible individuals receive old-age allowances, and less than 7% of eligible recipients receive government service pensions. This lack of financial security is further compounded by the fact that Nepal’s social security system is primarily focused on younger demographics, with maternal and child health taking precedence.

Healthcare Disparities:

Although the Nepalese government provides free healthcare to senior citizens in government facilities, access remains limited due to factors like ethnicity, income, and literacy.

There is a lack of a comprehensive geriatric healthcare policy, and existing healthcare initiatives often prioritize younger populations. Additionally, despite a significant proportion of senior citizens experiencing health problems, many do not utilize healthcare services, highlighting gaps in awareness and accessibility.

Social Marginalization and Ageism:

Traditional societal roles for senior citizens are changing as Nepal undergoes modernization and experiences the influence of Western culture.

This shift can lead to feelings of displacement and social isolation for older adults.

Ageism also plays a role in marginalizing senior citizens, impacting their access to opportunities and perpetuating negative stereotypes.

Impact of Migration and Demographic Shifts:

Nepal’s rapidly changing demographics, with a growing older population and a significant youth population migrating abroad for work, further exacerbate these challenges. This demographic shift creates a “demographic window” of opportunity, with a larger working-age population but it also raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of social security programs as the elderly population increases and the younger workforce shrinks.

The sources suggest this demographic shift could lead Nepal to become an “ageing” society by 2028 and an “old” society by 2050.

 Economic factors directly shape the financial security of older adults, while also impacting their access to healthcare and social support.

Social factors, such as changing cultural norms, ageism, and migration patterns, influence the social standing and well-being of older individuals.           These social and economic factors are interconnected and contribute to a complex web of challenges facing older adults in Nepal.

 The sources suggest that addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes:

Strengthening social safety nets and retirement security programs for senior citizens. Developing a comprehensive geriatric healthcare policy that addresses the specific needs of the ageing population.

Promoting awareness of ageism and challenging negative stereotypes. Investing in community-based support systems for senior citizens.

 These efforts require collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and communities to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for older adults in Nepal.

The current proportion of senior citizens in Nepal’s population, and how is this demographic expected to change in the future.

According to the 2011 census data in the sources, 8.1% of Nepal’s population, or 2,154,003 individuals, were aged 60 years or older. More recent data from the 2078 (2021/2022) census indicates that this proportion has risen to over 8.1%, with the total number of senior citizens reaching approximately 2.5 million.

The sources project a continued increase in the proportion of the senior citizen population. By 2028, it is estimated that 7% of the population will be 65 years or older, marking Nepal’s transition to an “ageing” society. Projections indicate that by 2031, the proportion of older adults will reach 11%.

By 2050, Nepal is expected to become an “old” society, with 14% of the population aged 65 or older.

Several factors contribute to this projected demographic shift.

Declining fertility rates:

 Nepal’s fertility rate has decreased from 2.5% in 2058 (2001/2002) to 1.35% in 2068 (2011/2012). This decline is attributed in part to the emigration of young people seeking work abroad, further reducing the birth rate.

Increasing life expectancy:

While a specific average life expectancy for Nepal is not mentioned in the sources, one source states that the mandatory retirement age of 60 is lower than the average life expectancy of 72 years. This suggests that people are living longer after retirement.

Internal migration patterns:

The proportion of senior citizens is increasing more rapidly in mountainous regions compared to urban areas due to factors like internal displacement, migration, social conflicts, and modernization.

The sources emphasize that this demographic transition presents both opportunities and challenges for Nepal. The increasing proportion of senior citizens will require a reevaluation and strengthening of social safety nets, healthcare systems, and policies to ensure the well-being and inclusion of this growing demographic.

The sources portray Nepal grappling with the multifaceted challenges of a burgeoning older population. This demographic shift presents a web of interconnected social and economic pressures that demand attention and creative solutions.

A rapidly ageing population places significant stress on Nepal’s social security system, particularly the “old age allowance.” While the allowance aims to provide financial support to older adults, it faces limitations. Currently, it only reaches 20% of eligible individuals. Furthermore, with the number of senior citizens projected to increase significantly in the coming decades, the sustainability of funding such programs is in question. The Finance Ministry has even cautioned about the long-term viability of providing these allowances.

As the younger generation migrates abroad for work opportunities, Nepal faces a potential decline in its workforce.

 While remittances from these workers contribute to the economy, the lack of skilled labor within the country could hinder economic growth.

This “demographic window” of a larger working-age population presents a time-sensitive opportunity for Nepal to capitalize on this workforce and invest in development. However, the sources suggest there is a risk of squandering this opportunity due to slow economic progress and political instability.

The sources highlighted that a majority of people in rural areas have limited opportunities to save or invest for retirement. This reliance on children for financial support in old age further underscores the economic vulnerability of senior citizens, especially as traditional family structures evolve.

Nepal’s modernization and increasing exposure to Western culture contribute to changing social dynamics that can negatively impact older adults.

The traditional roles of senior citizens as knowledge keepers and caregivers are being challenged, potentially leading to feelings of displacement and a loss of purpose.

The sources explicitly mention ageism as a pervasive issue in Nepal. This prejudice against senior citizens can manifest in various forms, including negative stereotypes, exclusion from employment opportunities, and limited access to services. Institutional ageism, like the mandatory retirement age of 60 despite an average life expectancy of 72, further exacerbates economic and social vulnerability.

As younger generations migrate and family structures change, the sources indicate a growing concern about social isolation among older adults. This isolation can have detrimental effects on their mental and physical well-being, contributing to depression and feelings of disconnect from society.

Addressing the Challenges:

Strengthening Social Safety Nets:  Experts suggest a need to bolster social security programs like the old-age allowance to ensure broader coverage and adequacy of support.

Promoting Intergenerational Connections:

Encouraging intergenerational programs and activities can help bridge the gap between generations, foster understanding, and combat ageism. This can involve engaging older adults in community initiatives, leveraging their experience and knowledge to benefit younger generations.

Empowering Senior Citizens:

Promoting opportunities for continued learning, skill development, and social engagement can help senior citizens maintain a sense of purpose and contribute to society.

Addressing Ageism Through Public Awareness:

The sources call for greater awareness and education to challenge ageist attitudes and promote respect for senior citizens.

Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that combines economic empowerment, social inclusion, and a shift in societal perceptions of ageing.

The challenges confronting senior citizens require a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving government agencies, NGOs, and communities. It necessitates a fundamental shift in societal perceptions of ageing, emphasizing the value and contributions of them while ensuring their social and economic inclusion.

Source : https://www.peoplesreview.com.np/2024/11/02/challenges-for-senior-citizens-in-nepal/