International Day for Elderly People 2018: Nepal Gov for Elders Monetary Security

On the occasion of the 28^th International Day for Elderly People, Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli Sharma warmly greeted Nepal’s Senior Citizens, wishing them good health and longevity.

 “Senior citizens have the wealth of experience. The society which could not show respect and recognize ageing fathers and mothers would in no way be acknowledged as civilized society,” said Oli, speaking at a program organized in view of the remarkable day.

Adding further, he says, “The experiences of the senior citizen are also spectacular for country development. So, I would like to reiterate government’s commitment for the protection and promotion of the rights of elderly.”

Creating a Friendlier Senior Citizen Ecosystem
In his address, Nepal Prime Minister Oli said a legal arrangement will be enforced soon to make sons and daughters devote a chunk of their income for their parents.

He also adds that the Government has started a ‘senior citizen insurance program’ since the beginning of the current fiscal year to make elderly people’s daily lives more comfortable.

Nepal Government, Nepal Ministry for Women, Children & Senior Citizens (MoWCSC) and the Nepal National Federation of Senior Citizens are collectively organizing various public awareness-raising programs in view of the occasion.

NHRC Report on Nepal Senior Citizens Living Conditions
Earlier on September 30, 2018, the Nepal National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) persuaded the Nepal Government to keep a watch on elderly people’s living conditions citing the deteriorating situation.

According to a report prepared by NHRC in view of the upcoming day, Nepal’s senior citizens continue to live in poor conditions, despite the Government’s announcements of various welfare plans for them.

Following are the findings of the report:

• Firstly, funds donated by individuals and organizations for the welfare and maintenance of elderly homes were being misused
• Most elderly homes in the country have not been following government regulation and are providing only basic services
• A majority of the homes-for-the-aged were feeding the elderly properly but lack enough human resources for the administration of healthcare
• Most of the elderly people suffered without social security in the absence of citizenship certificates
• A large number of senior citizens are living in shelter homes with no family members willing to take care of them
• The number of elderly women living in elder homes is higher than the number of men

 
Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions
The International Day for Elderly People 2018 is being celebrated with the theme ‘Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions’.

Following are the goals of the 2018-theme:

• Promoting the rights listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its significance in elderly persons daily lives
• Raising the older people’s visibility as participating members of a society that is dedicated to improving the enjoyment of human rights in many areas of life and not just the ones that affect them immediately
• Reflecting on the progress and challenges in ensuring the full & equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons
• Engaging mass audience internationally and prepare people for human rights in all stages of life

 
About International Day for Elderly People
The United Nations decided to celebrate October 1^st of every year as the International Day of Older Persons on December 14, 1990. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about issues faced by the elderly such as senescence and elder abuse. It also honors the older people’s contributions to the society.

As per the 2011-census, 4.4% of Nepal’s population is above 65 years.