Taking care of Nepal’s elderly

Despite improving financial well-being, health complexities among the elderly remain.

Nepal has a relatively young population, with 20.8 percent of people aged 16-25 years and 40.68 percent aged between 16-40 years. Meanwhile, the population of the elderly is increasing, according to the Nepal Population and Housing Census 2021. The census demonstrates that in the past 10 years, the population of those over 60 increased from 8.13 to 10.21 percent. The life expectancy of Nepalis has also increased from 55 years in 1990 to 70 years in 2020. This is primarily due to improved healthcare and a declining birth rate. However, older people often face healthcare challenges, including chronic diseases, mobility issues, mental health concerns, cognitive impairment and social isolation, requiring healthcare services dedicated to the elderly, also called geriatric care. Unfortunately, such care has not been seriously addressed in Nepal.