Challenges for older adults in Nepal

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

Many older adults in Nepal 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 percent of eligible individuals receive old-age allowances, and less than seven percent 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.

Although the government provides free healthcare to older adults 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 older adults experiencing health problems, many do not utilize healthcare services, highlighting gaps in awareness and accessibility.

Traditional societal roles for older adults 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 older individuals, impacting their access to opportunities and perpetuating negative stereotypes.

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 older population increases and the younger workforce shrinks. 

The sources suggest this demographic shift could lead Nepal to become an ‘aging’ 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 older adults, developing a comprehensive geriatric healthcare policy that addresses the specific needs of the aging population, promoting awareness of ageism and challenging negative stereotypes and investing in community-based support systems for older adults.

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.

A growing older population

According to the 2011 census data in the sources, 8.1 percent of Nepal’s population (2,154,003 individuals) were aged 60 years or older. More recent data from the 2021 census indicates that this proportion has risen further, with the total number of older adults reaching approximately 2.5m.

The sources project a continued increase in the proportion of older adults in Nepal’s population: by 2028, it is estimated that seven percent of the population will be 65 years or older, marking Nepal’s transition to an ‘aging’ society. Projections indicate that by 2031, the proportion of older adults will reach 11 percent. By 2050, Nepal is expected to become an ‘old’ society, with 14 percent of the population aged 65 or older.

Several factors contribute to this projected demographic shift. 

Nepal’s fertility rate has decreased from 2.5 percent in 2001 to 1.35 percent in 2011. This decline is attributed in part to the emigration of young people seeking work abroad, further reducing the birth rate.

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.

The proportion of older adults 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 older adults 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.

Socioeconomic impacts

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 aging 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 percent of eligible individuals. Furthermore, with the number of older adults 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 highlight 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 older adults, 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 older adults as knowledge keepers and caregivers are being challenged, potentially leading to feelings of displacement and a loss of purpose.

Ageism and discrimination 

The sources explicitly mention ageism as a pervasive issue in Nepal. This prejudice against older adults 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 disconnection from society.

Addressing challenges

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

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

The sources call for greater awareness and education to challenge ageist attitudes and promote respect for older adults. The challenges of an aging population in Nepal are multifaceted and intertwined. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that combines economic empowerment, social inclusion and a shift in societal perceptions of aging.

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