The world is ageing fast. By 2030, there will be more people over 60 than under 10 years of age.
·
The
world’s population is rapidly ageing: The number of people aged 60 years or
older will rise from 900 million to 2 billion between 2015 and 2050 (moving
from 12% to 22% of the total global population).
·
Ageism
can be as pervasive than sexism or racism
·
When
it comes to health, there is no ‘typical’ older person: Biological ageing is
only loosely associated with person age in years. Some 80 year-olds have
physical and mental capacities similar to many 20 year-olds
·
Health
in older age is not random: Besides
genetics, it is due to their physical and social environments, and the influence
on their opportunities and health behaviour
·
Comprehensive
public health action will require fundamental shifts in how we think about
ageing and health
·
Health
systems need to be realigned to the needs of older populations
·
In
the 21st century, all countries need an integrated system of long-term care
· Healthy Ageing involves all levels and sectors of government.
Elder Care in Nepal
Old-age Homes: There is an Old Age Home in the premises of temple Pashupati Nath (Pashupati Bridrashram) for the destitute elders. Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare operates the old-age home that has the capacity for only 230 elderly people. This is the only one shelter for elderly people run by the government which was established in 1976.
There are about 70 organizations registered with the government (GCN 2010) spread all over Nepal. These organization vary in their organizational status (government, private, NGO, CBO, personal charity), capacity, facilities, and the services they provide. Most of them are charity organizations. About 1,500 elders are living in these old-age homes at present.
These organizations are providing services to elderly out of the individual-s initivatives. The services are determined with the consent of the individual generosity. The services and care, virtually, do not include aspects that are essential to cater elderly in these Homes.
