Longevity in Nepal: health, policy and service provision challenges

Abstract

Longevity is a relatively recent phenomenon in Nepal; over the past few decades the priority in Nepal has been reducing infant and maternal mortality. With an increasingly aging population and changing patterns of migration, this brings with it challenges to Nepali society in terms of meeting the needs of an aging population and creating a policy environment that ensures these needs are met. This paper explores some of the complexities of an aging population in Nepal and focuses on examining the various health and service implications to a nation that has recently been engaged in a decade long "People"s War". Through highlighting the paucity of research in this area, this paper argues for an urgent need for research, both scientific and within the social sciences, into the complexities of meeting the needs of an aging population in the context of Nepal. It clearly demonstrates the need for new spaces of dialogue to emerge where these debates and lessons can be shared.

Changing Attitudes toward Care of Aging Parents: The Influence of Education, International Travel, and Gender

“…However, little research has provided a comprehensive look at what precipitates this change: what experiences influence individuals’ attitudes toward filial obligation? Nepal is one setting that has experienced substantial social change in recent decades, as well as an increasingly aging population (Axinn and Yabiku 2001; Chalise and Brightman 2006; Parker and Pant 2011; Thornton and Fricke 1987). Similar to other South Asian settings, government social security is limited and private pensions and health insurance are rare, leading parents to rely on younger generations for elderly care (Caldwell 1982; Niraula 1995; Willis 1980), particularly sons (Bennett 1983; Goldstein et al 1983).…”

Roles and systems of day centres: elderly-case study of a moderately mountainous area in Japan

“…Population ageing transcends the divide between developed and developing countries, because every country hopes to foster independent living and quality of life regardless of life expectancy (Brink, 1997). In addition, an increasingly ageing population provides a challenge to ageing countries in terms of meeting the needs of an ageing population and creating a policy environment (Parker and Pant, 2011).…”

Social policy, social work and age care in Nepal: mapping services and missing links

“…A number of reports note that older people are often amongst the most neglected groups in Nepalese society and calls have been made for more legislation, research and service provision to reduce the neglect in this area (Chalise 2006;Chalise & Brightman, 2006;Geriatric Centre Nepal, 2010;NEPAN, 2008;Parker & Pant, 2011). The State of the Elderly 3 in Nepal report notes that 'most Nepalese enter old age after a lifetime of poverty and deprivation, poor access to health care and a diet that is usually inadequate in quality and quantity' (NEPAN, 2008).…”

“…However, the focus of many health-and nutritionbased interventions is directed primarily towards infants, children and child-bearing women in line with MDG targets. There is a lack of research into aging in Nepal that urgently needs to be addressed and a forum is needed whereby academics, practitioners, policy makers and social workers share their concerns (Dahal 2007;NEPAN 2008;Parker and Pant 2011).…”

“…Working with local organisations such as Village Development Committees, Women's and Youth groups is a possible way of raising awareness of age-related needs and to ensure their voice is included in local planning. It is vital that the roles and responsibilities of these agencies are made clear to the wider society (Parker & Pant, 2011). It is important that these policies and initiatives are monitored and that the benefits of policies promoting the rights and welfare of the elderly reach the elderly from urban to rural areas and from the Terai (Plains) to the Mountains.…”