Abstract

Rapid population aging is a global phenomenon, regardless of a nation’s level of development. Population aging is also taking place rapidly in Nepal. Different studies show that many older persons are suffering from different types of chronic diseases. Although more than 80% of seniors live with their children, nearly two thirds of older adults are suffering from depression, loneliness and anxiety. Culturally seniors are well respected in Nepal and parents are dissatisfied when they live apart from their children. But due to modernization, urbanization and other factors, traditional norms and values are breaking down. This has caused changes in the living arrangements of the elderly. Old people’s growth rate is 3.59% per year which implies that older person’s population will double in nearly two decades. Nepal is still suffering from widespread poverty, increasing prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, inadequate health facilities, insufficient security schemes, and a stagnant economy. Therefore the country is less prepared to address the rapid pace of change and consequences of its rapidly increasing elderly population.