Call to prioritize senior citizens' rights in election manifesto

Kathmandu, Feb 6: The Geriatric Society of Nepal has called on candidate hopefuls running upcoming March 5 election to House of Representatives to emphasize the rights of senior citizens in their election manifestos.     

Issuing a press statement here today, the Society demanded that at least 14 key issues related to the health, social rights, protection and empowerment of senior citizens be mandatorily included in the election manifestos of political parties' candidates and independent ones contesting the upcoming election.     

According to the national census 2021, people aged 60 years and above account for 10.21 per cent of Nepal's total population-more than 3 million individuals.     

Society's President Dr Umesh Bogati argued that ensuring a dignified life, good health, security and active participation of senior citizens who have made long-term contributions to the national development, democracy and social transformation- is not only the responsibility of the State but also a key indicator of political commitment.     

The Society noted that the living standards of senior citizens have not improved as expected due to ineffective implementation of existing relevant Acts, policies and strategies.     

The Society urged the candidates to include provisions such as establishment of senior citizen department within the political parties and full enforcement of the Senior Citizens Act in their election manifesto.     

Furthermore, the Society also called for including issues such as development of senior citizens-friendly physical infrastructures and transportation system, free and subsidized healthcare services and establishment of dedicated geriatric wards in health facilities.     

The Society viewed that election manifestos should emphasize effective distribution of social security allowance, establishment of day-care centres, senior citizens parks, senior villages and wellness homes among others.     

Additionally, it urged provisions for concessional loans to promote self-employment for the senior citizens and emphasized linking skills and experience of senior citizens with production economic activities.(RSS)