The dynamics of Nepali families have shifted significantly in recent decades as younger generations increasingly seek opportunities abroad. Traditionally, children cared for their aging parents, but with 7.5% of Nepalis living abroad, many elderly individuals are left without family support. In response to this growing challenge, establishing retirement homes could offer a viable, respectful solution, promising community, care, and autonomy for Nepal’s senior citizens.
The Impact of Urbanization and Nuclear Families
Urbanization in Nepal has drastically transformed lifestyles, with family sizes shrinking as more families opt for nuclear arrangements. In the past, a typical Nepali household was a large joint family where the responsibility of caring for elderly parents was shared among children The traditional system encouraged joint family living, but with the cost of living getting more expensive for large families, along with increasing intrafamilial conflicts, families have leaned towards nuclear living in recent years. In a joint family, senior members’ needs were often met by others in the household, even if some family members worked away. But the rise of nuclear families has left many elderly citizens alone once their children move away for work or education. This problem is only expected to increase following 2047, when we will be seeing a steady rise in the dependent population.
Perceptions of Old Age Homes in Nepal
In Nepal, existing state-run old-age homes often have a negative reputation, which could impact the perception of future retirement homes. Many Nepali senior citizens view these facilities as unappealing options, only considered as a last resort. A 2015 study found that around 1,500 elderly individuals reside in 70 registered old age homes across the country. However, these institutions primarily rely on government grants, member donations, and charity contributions, struggling to provide adequate food, medical care, and comfort. Depression rates in old age homes are high, with a study in Devghat showing that 82.6% of residents experienced depression due to lack of familial care, social isolation, and limited mental health support. This bleak state has caused society to view old-age homes as a poor alternative for elderly care, potentially impacting future perceptions of retirement homes.
Distinguishing Retirement Homes from Old Age Homes
In Nepali society, the term “retirement homes” is often misunderstood, as it’s conflated with traditional old-age homes leading to misperceptions. While both types of homes provide shelter for the seniors, their focuses are vastly different. Old-age homes cater primarily to medical care and basic needs, while the retirement homes emphasize independence, social engagement, and holistic well-being. However, a balanced approach with the best of both worlds could fully address the needs of seniors. By enhancing the existing old-age and elderly care homes to provide independent living facilities, along with social engagement opportunities and strong healthcare support, the residents of these homes would see significant improvements in their mental and physical well-being. This would not only support elderly individuals’ dignity and quality of life but could also reflect Nepal’s evolving perspectives on aging care.
Challenges in Adoption of Retirement Homes
Despite the potential benefits, several barriers make the future adoption of retirement homes a challenge in Nepal. Social stigma is a primary obstacle, as children traditionally take responsibility for caring for aging parents. Opting for a retirement home is often viewed as a failure to honor familial obligations, leading to shame and guilt among families. Society tends to see it as a choice prioritizing personal comfort over an elder’s care, impacting a family’s social standing. A shift in how retirement homes are perceived could encourage many those seniors who are willing but fear the judgment of the society.
Financial constraints also limit the feasibility of retirement homes, especially since they require substantial upfront investment to buy a unit, along with recurring maintenance fees. This could be a challenge for low-income seniors who lack sufficient retirement savings or pensions. Even with some government support, such as medical subsidies, providing free basic health services in 24 public hospitals, and subsidies for medication and specialized treatment, dedicated geriatric services and old-age allowances of NPR 4,000 monthly, these provisions may not be enough to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in retirement communities. As a result, retirement homes would likely be accessible mainly to upper-middle and upper-class senior citizens with financial security.
How to Improve the Potential Adoption of Retirement Homes
To address these challenges, a shift in societal perceptions would be essential. When families and seniors are free from societal judgment, they may feel more empowered to consider retirement homes without fear of being viewed as neglectful. Positive portrayals in media and popular culture could play a crucial role in normalizing retirement homes, showcasing them as vibrant communities for independent living rather than places of abandonment. The movie ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ is a great example as it shows retirement homes in a positive light, where they portray retirement not as an end, but a new beginning for personal growth and self-discovery. Developers and advocates of retirement communities should emphasize how these communities provide autonomy, social engagement, and minimal support to ease daily life.
Financially, government policies and community support could make retirement homes more accessible. Government subsidies, tax breaks, and grants could help reduce the cost for developers, making these communities more affordable for seniors. Developers might also explore flexible payment plans, rental models, or staged payments, allowing seniors to pay over a specified period. Community-driven efforts, such as sponsoring underprivileged seniors and raising awareness, could further support affordable retirement housing options.
A Path Forward for Senior Citizens
As Nepal’s working generation increasingly moves abroad, retirement communities could offer a supportive, engaging alternative for senior citizens who may otherwise be left alone. For upper-middle and upper-income families unable to provide direct care due to work or other commitments, future retirement communities could present a viable solution where elderly parents can live among peers in an autonomous and fulfilling environment. While these homes seem financially unapproachable to lower income groups, our aim should be to make these retirement homes accessible to all financial classes as they become less stigmatized. For seniors who value independent living, high-standard retirement homes could transform their experience of aging, offering them dignity, companionship, and a vibrant lifestyle.
Demin Lal Kakshapati holds a bachelor's in business administration (Marketing) from Kathmandu University and is currently a Beed Intern at Beed Management. He brings two years of experience in the marketing and e-commerce industries. His interests lie in using data-driven decision-making in healthcare management, leveraging data and project management skills for impactful, community-focused results.
