Government shifts senior citizen care burden to families as Nepal ages
Summary
Nepal’s draft senior citizen policy says families should bear primary responsibility for the maintenance, care and security of older people, even as the country’s aging population grows and care-home demand rises. Rights activists and experts say the move is impractical and reflects weak state commitment to senior citizens’ welfare.
Key Points
- The Draft National Senior Citizen Policy, 2026 shifts primary responsibility for elderly care to families and makes children socially and legally accountable.
- Activists argue the policy is unrealistic because smaller families, migration, and overseas work are reducing the ability of families to care for older members.
- Critics say the government is neglecting senior citizens by removing them from the ministry’s name and underfunding related programs.
- Nepal’s aging population is rising quickly, increasing demand for care homes, day-care centers, and geriatric health services.
