Senior Citizens and the Elderly Homes: A Survey from Kathmandu

Abstract

During the study information about the existing state of the seven elderly homes around Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchowk district was collected during October-November, 2007 on behalf of Geront World Nepal, Kathmandu. An attempt has been made to come across physical, economic status of different homes, their problems and challenges as well as the personal feelings of senior citizens living in there. The survey has tried to clarify the problems and challenges of elderly homes and the elders. Effort has been provided to see whether the elderly homes are helpful in providing proper care and support for the senior citizens. An analysis of four data sets (interview of 61 senior citizens out of total 122 in 7 homes, interview of all seven home's authorized persons, published/unpublished profile of the homes, and interview of key informants) as well as field observation shows significant positive effects of homes on the life of senior citizen. The survey results indicate that in number of respects elderly homes are favorable for the residents and the society as a whole despite of some problems, particularly for those who are uncomfortable in their family.Key words: Seniors citizens, Homes, Retirement, HealthDOI = 10.3126/dsaj.v2i0.1365Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.2 pp.