411008_Report_BaselineAssessment_NRCS_final

Nepal Red Cross Society Ageing & Health Project Baseline Study Report
Ageing people require number of assistance to carry out their daily routine depending on their age,
health condition and general physical ability. When asked about their care requirement for their daily
life, only 3% required complete care and 12% required partial care. Vast majority of the respondents
did require minimal care or no care (Table 14). Whoever were receiving care, whatsoever the level of
care was, almost all care was provided by the family members (refer to Annex Data table 48).
This situation may change over the time as people age, therefore it is necessary to track their care
requirements regularly. This can be best achieve through a senior citizen forum or meeting place
where they meet regularly and share their care requirements and changes.
Table 14: level of care and support required for daily routine
1. Male 2. Female Total
Around community N % N % N %
1. Complete care (incl. toilet, feeding etc) 3 1.17% 5 1.95% 8 3.13%
2. Partial care 8 3.13% 24 9.38% 32 12.50%
3. Minimal care 23 8.98% 48 18.75% 71 27.73%
4. None (I am capable to taking care myself) 80 31.25% 65 25.39% 145 56.64%
Grand Total 114 44.53% 142 55.47% 256 100.00%
Almost all participants over 60 years old during FGD expressed that they received support and care
from family members and was great to be with grandchildren. But during day time, many expressed
that there would be no one to talk (as family members go for work and children go to school).
"Daughter in law (Buhari) care for me, prepares my favourite meals, but during day
time there is no one to stay with me" (82 years old female)
"Son lives in America, I and my wife are staying here" (61 years old male)
"They care us – at least to show to the society" (66 years old male)
F. Psychosocial well being
For emotional or psycho social wellbeing, sharing the feelings and interacting with each other is
important. Majority are quite active and meeting friends very regularly, but over 20% of the
respondents reported none, which means they do not meet their friends and exchange ideas and
emotions (Table 15). But interestingly, data indicated that those who were staying in joint family tend
to be less active in meeting friends outside.
A meeting forum with specific place needs to be established where senior citizens can freely come,
meet friends, share their ideas and feelings and try to do some creative work. Red Cross can initiate
this in collaboration with Ward office. With careful planning such forum is possible to make itself
self-propelling managed by old age people themselves voluntarily.
Table 15: How often do you meet friends and spend time
1. Male 2. Female Total
Number % Number % Number %
1.Every day 65 25.39% 50 19.53% 115 44.92%
2. 1-3 times a week 16 6.25% 22 8.59% 38 14.84%
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