Needs and Expectations of Elderly People of Old Age Home in Kathmandu

Abstract

Ageing is a normal and to be expected part of life but there are physical, emotional and behavioral changes with It. As people get older, their position and functions in the family and society change as well. However, due to ageing, many elderly people miss out on opportunities, needs and even their life partners, sometimes despite having ample funds, and feel lonely. It seems that the need for love, connection and respect is related and strong feelings about it increase, as seniors get older and seek their comfort place and peace as they grow old. As someone grows older, his or her priorities and perspectives shift and the focus turns towards relationships, caring for oneself, inner peace, etc. In this study, social security policy was examined by taking aged (60+ years) people residing at old age homes and care centers along with their family members in terms of their needs, problems and expectations. It also analyzes whether there are any gaps between these policies using mixed methodology; quantitative data collected from the structured questionnaires, qualitative data collected from key informants, senior citizens and selected case studies. Various theories are included in this research such as gerontology theory, Durkheim's functionalist theory, Coser’s conflict theory to understand the need, challenges and expectation of elders in Kathmandu district. This study addresses the problems related to free market, ageism, and discrimination. All the above factors have a strong impact on the social, cultural, economic and health aspects of life of senior citizens and bring significant changes in family structure. This means that each elderly person must work out how these age changes work for them and how they can embrace change, or if they want to adhere to the social and cultural activities of previous generations. This dichotomy of accommodating and holding on to tradition can result in uncertainty and feeling insecure as this rapidly evolving society is not the same society in which they grew up and in which they know they have a place. This study investigates the intergenerational conflict as well as how the government’s social security policy addresses such conflict and issues faced by elderly people within the theoretical framework. It also examines any gaps that exist between these policies, either in terms of extent or the nature of the gap, and identifies the area to improve policies, which may need more detailed study and development to be supportive for the elderly population. Urbanization has made an impacting situation on youth; they do not wish to stay in the villages and make an effort to migrate to urban areas or abroad to have better employment opportunities. With their careers, they may not be there to give more attention to their aging parents. These adult children may provide a good facility to their elderly parents, even offer them to bring abroad with them, but many elderly people will experience loneliness and dissociation because they are in a different climate, environment and culture. While their children want to give them a good life to enjoy like in the west, the elderly want to remain in their own homes and even in old age homes and care centers in Nepal. Of the 220 respondents, there was a preference for home 192 respondents. Generally, security problems of the elderly exist in their families and within their social environment. In relation to their living conditions, they look for safety, in relation to family relations, they want to experience frequent connections with family members, in relation to financial stability, they are seeking, in relation to the recognition of their experiences, knowledge and skills, at home and in the society. They are expecting respect, companionship, and reciprocity by their families; they are expecting recognition by society and state. These areas need to be researched in-depth study for better understanding the changing picture of social relations and family situation in relation to social security policy for the elderly people. For many elderly people, old age allowance is the main source of income. There is a clear need to examine the poverty levels of seniors, and prioritize support based on their needs. However, for a few elderly the financial situation is stable, they might not require monetary plan, and they may benefit from non-financial support programs from government. In light of this study, it is concluded that factors such as breaking down rules of the joint family norms, migration, and urbanization contribute to the physical, social, and psychological problems in the day-to-day life of elderly people.