Analyze the following case carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Quality of life and the perception of well-being are issues affecting everyone. The perception of quality of life determines the ways in which a person views their place in society and their personal life (Cantarero & Potter, 2014). Quality of life is "an individual's perception of their positioning life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and about their goals, expectations, standards and concerns" (WHO, 1998). Quality of life for the elderly is a multidimensional concept that goes beyond mere physical health; it encompasses psychological well-being, social inclusion, financial security, and access to healthcare (Kelley, 2009). In rural Nepal, where access to basic services like healthcare, transportation, and social care is often limited, the elderly face numerous problems in maintaining a high quality of life. Elderly individuals often experience higher rates of chronic illness, disability, and mental health issues, and their access to healthcare and social support networks can be significantly restricted due to isolation and socio-economic inequalities (Donovan & Blazer, 2020).
Nepal is experiencing a demographic transition characterized by a persistent decline in fertility rates and a rise in life expectancy. Life expectancy in Nepal was about 35 years in the early 1950s, but by 2020, it had risen to 68 years for men and 70 years for women (World Bank, 2022). The National Planning Commission of Nepal (2021) expects a significant increase in the senior population, projecting that by 2030, 15% of individuals will be aged 60 or over. As a result of this shift, the population is getting older, and a larger percentage of people are becoming elderly. Rural elders are being left behind as young people go to cities in search of better opportunities. In addition, rural communities frequently experience poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare, making it difficult to ensure that the elderly live dignified, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
The financial state of the elderly is a significant factor affecting their quality of life in rural Nepal. Older adults in rural areas have little money to maintain themselves since government social security programs and pension plans are either nonexistent or poorly managed. The quality of life for older adults in rural Nepal is influenced by a wide range of sociodemographic factors, including age, gender, marital status, income, education, and social support. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of older people play an important role in understanding their quality of life and well-being (Joshi, 2020). According to a study by Rijal et al. (2021), elderly women in rural areas are more likely than men to report lower levels of health and well-being because of sociocultural consequences and economic disparities. Gender has a significant impact on the quality of life for older adults in Nepal, with women experiencing more challenges than men.
Questions:
a. Discuss the quality of life for the elderly as ‘a multidimensional concept’.
b. What are the problems insecurity facing by aging people in Nepal?
c. Why are elderly women experiencing more challenges than men?
d. Write your suggestions to ensure the dignified and healthy lives of elderly people in Nepal.
