The 21st century has also been referred to as the century of old people because for the first time in human history, the growth rate of 60 plus global population has been exceeding the growth rate of the total world population.
According to the United Nations, over the next 50 years, the number of older persons in the world will grow from about 600 million to almost 2 billion. Today, one person in every ten is aged 60 or above; by 2050, this figure becomes one person in every five, and by 2150, one in every three. Such a major demographic change presents both opportunities and challenges.
According to Central Bureau of Statistics(CBS) Nepal, the total population of older people increased from 4.6 percent of the total population (i.e., 1,100,000) in 1991 to 6.5 percent (i.e., 2,500,000) in 2001 and 9.1 percent (i.e., around 2,700,000) in 2011. It shows that the number of 60 plus people is increasing at more than double the rate of the total population growth, i.e., 1.4 percent (CBS, 2011). It is now time we think carefully about this ever increasing population that is a byproduct of decreasing birth rates and increasing life expectancy. The traditional approach of the state towards an ageing population needs to be reviewed. A welfare-based approach will no longer work and what we need is a rights-based approach.
Older people are the cornerstone of our country, repository of our history, culture, customs and heritage and the medium to pass them on from one generation to another. Their knowledge, experience and wisdom should be utilized for overall development of the nation. They have made valuable contributions to our societal development. Hence, in their later years, they deserve a dignified life for which they should be provided with equal rights just like the younger citizens, instead of viewing them merely through the prism of welfare.
Most of our elderly are way past their productive age, with limited physical capabilities or income-earning capacities. Yet, they are eager to contribute positively to the society, something they can do if given the opportunity. We have also witnessed certain incidents where the elderly are subjected to abuse by their children and family members. In some instances, their social security allowances are taken away from them. We must put an end to age discrimination, abuse, neglect and violence against older persons. The International Day of Older Persons, which was observed on October 1, highlights the role of the older generation in the collective effort to build a better nation and a better world for our older people.
For the last 21 years, the world has been observing the United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Older Persons on October 1 every year. This day aims to raise awareness about the impact of an ageing population and the need to ensure that people can grow old with dignity and continue to participate in the society as citizens with rights. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions older people have made and are making to a society and nation as a whole.
On December 14, 1990, the UN General Assembly declared October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons, following other initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the assembly.
Every year, the Australian government celebrates October 1 with their elderly citizens to thank them for their constructive role in society and to encourage others to participate actively in community activities. Similarly, the Canadian government celebrates the day to appreciate and recognize the potentials of their senior citizens. There are many other countries like the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Italy, Slovenia, Netherland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg that also mark this day with special activities. It is time for Nepal to learn from the experience of these developed countries.
For the first time in Nepal, a national festival of senior citizens was organized on October 1.
Representatives from all over the country were invited to observe the day as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions older persons have made and are still making to their families and communities on a daily basis. Pioneering non-governmental organizations like, Manmohan Memorial Foundation, Ageing Nepal, National Senior Citizens Federation, Help Age International Nepal and NEPAN have taken the lead in such initiatives, while many other such initiatives are being taken by other organizations and institutions at the local level. Therefore, the time has come for the government of Nepal to take concrete action on issues concerning the elderly in Nepal.
The author is chairperson, Sixty Plus Nepal
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