Growing concerns over elderly care in Kailali as youth migrate abroad

Tikapur: Stakeholders in Tikapur have raised alarms over the growing challenges in caring for senior citizens as increasing numbers of youth migrate abroad for employment and education.

Local resident Hira Singh Bista remarked that with children going overseas for higher studies and jobs, the traditional care system for elderly parents in Nepal is under pressure. “Youth may send money, but they can’t provide time and care,” he said. “We must now focus on establishing well-equipped senior citizen care centers, supported by investment from affluent members of society.”

A discussion held at the Elderly Service Committee in Tikapur highlighted these concerns, with speakers emphasizing that the absence of youth could lead to a decline in intergenerational knowledge-sharing and emotional support for the elderly. Mohan Luhar BK, Ward Chairman of Tikapur Municipality-1, noted the rising trend of students leaving after grade 12 and stressed the importance of learning from the experience of elders.

Bal Bahadur Rawal, Chairman of the Elderly Service Committee, stated that society must prepare for a future where old age homes become the norm. “Even at home, the elderly often feel lonely. Living together in shelters can reduce that loneliness through shared knowledge and support,” he added.

Social worker Dhanraj Upadhyay urged the municipality to support the expansion of the Elderly Service Committee's facilities, initially built with the support of the late Mohan Bahadur Rawal. Former chairman and current advisor Kantharaj Giri echoed the need for organized efforts to protect the rights and dignity of senior citizens.

The Elderly Service Committee is actively conducting and planning several programs, including senior citizen honors, day care, public awareness campaigns, health education in schools on conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and stroke, and community activities like khichdi distribution, Dashain gatherings, yoga sessions, pilgrimages, and support through the Mohan Pratibha Fund. These initiatives will continue with support from local, provincial, and federal governments.