परिवार, लैङ्गिकता र सामाजिक जीवन

Inter-generational participation for caring senior citizens in Nepal

Introduction

Nepal is passing through a demographic and social transition. The 2021 census recorded about 10.2 per cent of the population aged 60 years and above, and this share is rising because of increasing life expectancy (about 71 years) and falling fertility. At the same time, migration of youths abroad and the growing trend of nuclear families have weakened the traditional joint-family support system. As a result, the care of senior citizens has emerged as a serious social problem. Inter-generational participation — the active involvement of children, youths and the elderly together in family and community life — is the most practical and humane way of addressing it.

Why the problem has emerged

• Rise of nuclear families: Young couples increasingly live separately from parents, so the elderly are left without daily care and companionship.
• Migration: Large-scale labour migration of youths leaves elderly parents alone in villages; remittances bring money but not care.
• Weakening of traditional values: Respect for elders (guru–jan tradition) is declining in urban life.
• Inadequate state support: Old-age allowance (Rs 4,000 per month for those above 70) and limited old-age homes cannot replace family care.
• Problems faced by the elderly: Neglect, loneliness, depression, poor health care, financial insecurity and even abuse.

Meaning of inter-generational participation

Inter-generational participation means a two-way relationship between generations in which the young and the old share responsibilities, knowledge and affection. The young provide physical, economic and emotional support; the elderly provide experience, moral guidance, cultural continuity and care of grandchildren. It is based on mutual respect rather than charity.

Forms of inter-generational participation for elderly care

1. Within the family: Living together or nearby, sharing household work, consulting elders in family decisions, and giving them a dignified role in raising grandchildren.
2. In the community: Youth clubs, tol sudhar samiti and religious groups organising health camps, home visits, and help in daily chores for the elderly.
3. In schools and colleges: Including elderly care and respect for elders in the curriculum, and involving students in social service programmes for senior citizens.
4. Institutional level: Old-age homes and day-care centres where youths volunteer; bridging programmes that link migrant children with their parents through regular calls and visits.
5. Economic participation: Involving capable elders in small income-generating activities and using their skills (farming, crafts, counselling) so they remain productive and self-respecting.

Importance and benefits

• The elderly get love, security, health care and mental satisfaction.
• Youths learn patience, responsibility, traditional knowledge and moral values.
• It reduces the burden on the state and on old-age homes.
• It strengthens family ties and social cohesion, and preserves Nepali culture and language.
• It gives the elderly a sense of being useful, which reduces depression and health problems.

Challenges

• Busy urban life and time constraints of working couples.
• Long-distance migration and scattered families.
• Weak implementation of the Senior Citizens Act, 2063 and the National Senior Citizens Policy.
• Poverty and lack of awareness, especially in rural areas.
• Attitude of treating elders as a burden rather than a resource.

Suggestions for promoting inter-generational participation

• Families should keep elders in the household or visit and support them regularly; children should be taught respect for elders from childhood.
• Schools should run "adopt a grandparent" and community service programmes.
• The government should strengthen old-age allowance, health insurance, geriatric care and day-care centres, and enforce the law against neglect.
• Local governments should maintain records of senior citizens and mobilise youth volunteers.
• Media and NGOs should launch awareness campaigns on the value of the elderly.
• Youths should be encouraged to spend time with elders and learn from their experience.

Conclusion

The care of senior citizens cannot be left to the state or to old-age homes alone. The root of the problem lies in the breakdown of the joint family and the weakening of inter-generational bonds. Therefore, inter-generational participation—where the young give care and the old give wisdom—is the most sustainable solution. It protects the dignity of the elderly, builds character in the young, and keeps Nepali society united and compassionate. Family, community, school and state must all work together to make such participation a living practice.

In Nepal, people aged 60 and above are regarded as elderly, and their number is increasing as life expectancy rises. They need special care, because with age come poorer health, lower income and loneliness.

Ways of caring for the elderly

• Family care: Traditionally, children look after parents. Respect, shelter, food and emotional support within the family are the best care.
• Health care: Regular check-ups, free or discounted treatment, and nutrition support. Elderly people are often affected by diseases like arthritis, diabetes and heart problems.
• Social security: The government gives an old-age allowance (senior citizen allowance) and has the Senior Citizens Act 2063 (2006) and a national policy for senior citizens.
• Institutional care: Old age homes (briddhashram), day care centres and community groups for those with no family support.
• Participation: Involving elderly people in family decisions, community work and advisory roles, to use their experience and keep them active.

Looking after elderly people is both a social duty and a human right.