Health, Nutrition and Care for Senior Citizens of Nepal in Twenty First Century

Abstract

Modernization has a greater impact over the population ageing from developed to developing countries. Nepal also could not remain untouched by it. Urbanization, social transformation and migration to immigration type of social phenomenon have been separating the family members. Not only that but also the desire of living with freedom and independent life has a powerful effect upon the life of senior citizens in Nepal. Lack of education, social security by government and sufficient income source of a notable population after 60s is living under poor standard. The occupation of farming in the past used to be common in joint family life including very less number representing the high level business family. Where there was not such a problem of isolation and lack of nutrition and care for those citizens due to level of education. A large number living in the rural areas whether single or old couple has rare choice of food due to income even it is quite difficult to afford for simple medicine. The population of the less developed regions is ageing rapidly, too. Over the next four decades, the population aged 60 and over in the developing world is projected to triple from 473 million in 2009 to 1.6 billion in 2050. The older population itself is ageing at an accelerated rate with the population aged 80 and over projected to increase four-fold, to reach 395 million in 2050. The Second World Assembly on Ageing, which took place in Madrid, Spain, in April 2002, adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the twenty-first century and to promote the development of a society for all ages. In this context Nepal has to prepare a draft of own charter to address the issues of aging population.

Key words: Modernization, Population ageing, Developing countries, Health, Social Security