Nepal is a democratic country in south Asia. It’s a landlocked country with the borders with India and China. Northern side has Mt. Everest and is bordered with People’s Republic of China while as to the remaining side Nepal has open border with Republic of India. Nepal has area of 147,181 sq. kilometer and is the 93rd largest country by land mass. It has population of 30 million and is 41st most populous country. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. Nepal was kingdom with Shah Dynasty ruling the country since 1768. With the people’s revolution along with Communist party of Nepal (Maoist) Federal democratic republic is recently established in 28th of May 2008.
Visit Nepal 2011 was organized to increase the number of visitor in Nepal which would support in the economical growth of the country and to reestablish the image of Nepal to the world. Nepal was going through lots of domestic problem for the long period of time, so the peaceful and beautiful image of Nepal was deemed. Visit Nepal 2011 was organized to reestablish the image of Nepal that it had before the domestic problem. It gives people the opportunity to explore the uniqueness of Nepal and feel the different world which one can find within Nepal. Last visit Nepal was organized in 1998. Tourism is the source of economy in the Nepal followed by the agriculture, which is the primary source.
Nepal is rich is flora and fauna. Around 6500 varieties of flower along with bushes and trees are found in Nepal, which includes lots of flora which are rare and endangered in world. Among these floral, 245 types of plants are only found in Nepal. 845 kinds of birds have been reported in Nepal which covers overall 10% of the birds recorded so far. Among the world’s top ten highest mountains, 8 of them lies in Nepal which include the highest peak of world Mt. Everest. Tilicho is the lake in the highest altitude of the world. Nepal is the birth place of Gautama Buddha, the proprietor of Buddhism. Along with that, Nepal is only country in the world with living goddess, Kumari. These are all the things which people can see and explore and feel the difference. During the visit Nepal year 2011, one can explore the Nepal as if being local people and lots of opportunities will be there to explore the real Nepal’s heritage, culture, religion, natural beauty, be a part of Nepal in an affordable price. Nepal is reported to have 123 different languages spoken by different ethnic groups of Nepal.
Lots of packages are being offered by lots of travel agencies at the low price. IF you love trekking, Everest base camp trekking is offered, where you will be able to trek up to the base camp of the Mount Everest. This trekking package is of 16 days and cost around 765 dollars. In these 16 days you will be able to explore the Himalayas of Nepal along with the Mount Everest followed by the other Himalayas. You will be able to explore the Sherpa’s culture and life in brief and will be able to explore about the animals like leopard, musk dear, mountain Thar and birds like long tail bird etc. The best time to trek would be March to mid may and September to mid November.
Showing posts with label NEPAL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NEPAL. Show all posts
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Monday, October 27, 2008
Demographic distribution of elderly in nepal
INTRODUCTION ABOUT NEPAL AND NEPALI PEOPLE INCLUDING ELDERLY PRESENT IN Nepal
Nepal being the landlocked country is having border with the India from three sides and the China from one side. Nepal is relatively beautiful country with the area of 141, 181 sq. km in the south Asia region, having 885 km in the east-west direction and with the mean north-south width of 193 km. Financially Nepal is not considered strong but culturally, Nepal is rich for its diversity, peculiarity, and uniqueness. Nepal has 101 ethnic groups, 92 languages, 10 religions and 3 geographical regions and a population of 28.6 (2005 census) million people living 157 persons per sq km which was just 40 in 1911. The 2001 census showed that 57.5 % of the population belonged to a caste, 2/3 of them living in the hills and 1/3 in the Tarai. Dalits (untouchables) who make up 13.6% of the population are one of the most disadvantaged and backward groups2. It has five development regions: Eastern, Central, Western, Mid-western and Far-western with 14 zones, 75 districts, 58 municipalities and 3915 village development committees which are further divided into small political units called wards. National standard living survey 2003/4 reports that poverty incidence decreased from 42% in 1995/6 to 31% in 2003/4, however rural urban disparity still exist (rural poverty-35% and urban poverty-10%). A significant increase in remittances, increase in wages, improved connectivity and access to markets, urbanization, and falling birth rates were behind this decline. Household receiving remittances went up to 32% in 2004 from 23% in 1996 (MoF, 2006).
AGE DISTRIBUTION IN NEPAL
Ageing is the ultimate manifestation of the biological, psychological, and demographical activities in the individual human being and population in large. Nepal is having the sum total of population of 28,676,547 (2005 census). Persons of age 60+, is considered as the elderly in the context of the Nepal. The elderly population is 10,61032, a 7.46% of the total population.
Age structure: According to the census 2003
0-14 years: 39.7% (male 5,424,396; female 5,080,171)
15-64 years: 56.7% (male 7,692,134; female 7,320,059)
60 years and over: 7.46% (male 468,697; female 484,112) (2003 est.)
According to the census 2005
Data Size
Population
28,676,547 (2005)
Growth Rate 2.2%
Population below 14 Years old 39%
Population of age 15 to 59 57.3%
Population above 60 7.46%
Pyramid showing the population of Nepal
Age distribution by major age groups, prior and post 1951.
Prior 1951 Post 1951
Age group 1911 1941 1971 2001
0-14 38.68 39.16 39.72 39.31
60+ 4.28 5.33 5.88 7.46
65+ 2.43 3.17 3.17 4.21
75+ 0.45 0.65 0.87 1.30
The above data implies that Nepal is in the state of development, as the youths ranging from 14-59 are in the majority. Nepal is having relatively few numbers of aged people in comparison with the other groups of the people; however, the older population is increasing both in terms of absolute numbers and as a proportion of the total population; unfortunately, traditional family norms and values of supporting the elderly are eroding. There were 1.6 million elderly inhabitants which constitutes 7.46% of the total population in 2001 which will be double by 2017. Persons of 60+ years are known as elderly people in Nepal, the index of ageing has increased from 11.7% in 1911 to 18.89% by 2001. For the aged 65+ years, the increment is from 6.28% in 1911 to 10.69% by 2001. The rate of increasing older people is rapid from 1971 to 2001. During the period 1991–2001, the annual elderly population growth rate was 3.39%, which was higher than the annual population growth rate of 2.1%. Increasing in the ageing population is mainly due to advancement and easily availability in the health services. This increasing number of elderly in Nepal is enforcing government to change the policy towards the helping of the elderly people and building of infrastructure considering elderly people.
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female
total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY CONDITION OF ELDERLY IN NEPAL
Mortality Rate among Aged Persons
Though starting age of ageing is considered as 60 years in most of the previous discussions, 50 years age is considered for the starting age for high risk mortality among aged persons. It is based on common observation that by a person reaches 50 years, multitude of Physiological and Psychological problems start to show their effects on the physical health of a person accelerating the risk of his/ her death as age advances.
Adjusted death rates among aged persons, Nepal, 2001.
Age Group Male Female Both Sexes
50 – 54 18.70 11.87 14.24
55 – 59 30.04 20.69 23.77
60 – 64 47.59 32.85 37.46
65 – 69 64.39 47.84 52.38
70 – 74 103.10 72.60 82.12
75 – 79 149.89 97.08 114.55
80 + 296.28 211.13 235.35
All Ages 13.89 9.73 11.00
Median Age at death 78.10 81.60 79.52
Source: Present study, based on Census, 2001, CBS
Unadjusted death rates for all ages according to 2001 census report are found only 5.24 per thousand for males, 4.15 per thousand for females and 4.7 per thousand for both sexes. These rates are very low as compared to 11 per thousand reported for both sexes in U.N’s population data sheet for 2002.271. The above table shows that up to age group 50-54 years, the death rates for both sexes are only 3% to 5% higher than for all ages. .But as age advances, the rate substantially increases for both sexes and at age 80 years and above, the rate attaining the levels of 296.28 per thousand for males, 211.13 per thousand for females and 235.35 per thousand for both. From the table, it is clear that among aged persons, death rates for females are much lower than for males. Median age at death for aged 50 + years persons is found as 78.1 years for males, 81.6 years for females and 79.52 years for both sexes.
Deaths occur at old age due to many causes. One cause is the natural processes due to ageing .Others are due to various diseases, accidents and suicides etc. Twenty five specific reasons of deaths are included in Census inquiry of 2001. Data analysis of deaths by specific reasons for 65+ years aged persons by sex shows that highest of 41.33% deaths among males aged 65+ years occurred due to Natural rules followed by 21.66% due to other causes not included for the inquiry. Among females, highest of 26.97% deaths occurred due to causes not included for the inquiry, followed by 16.97% due to Natural rules. Excluding the cases of Non-stated which accounted to 7.45% in case of males and 8.05% in case of females, third specific cause is the Asthma which caused 11.02% of deaths among aged males and 7.68% of deaths among aged females followed by cancer causing 3.11% of death among males and 4.61% of death among females. Next to cancer, tuberculosis and heart diseases are the main causes of deaths among males, but among females, miscarriage and heart disease followed by the Cancer for causing more deaths.
The 85% of elderly people are living in rural areas depending upon their agricultural profession and living under the poverty due to lack of access to resources and income generation activities. They suffer from the cumulative effects of a lifetime of deprivation, lack of education, poor health and nutrition, low social status, discrimination and restriction on mobility, entering old age in a poor state of health and without saving or material assets. They lack means to fulfill their basic needs such as food, clothes, shelter, health care, love and safe drinking water. Gender inequality and discrimination against women continue from before birth to death (NEPAN, 2002).
LITERACY OF ELDERLY PEOPLE
The literacy rate (those who can read and write) for aged 65+ years is found as 27.0% for males and 4.07 % for females and 47.12% are found economically active with sex differential of 59.7% for males and 34.30% for females. For both sexes, the literacy rate for aged 65+ years is found as 15.64 %. But for districts of Katmandu valley, the literacy rates for both sexes are found much higher than those observed for all Nepal. Low elderly literacy rate is due to the political situation of the Nepal. Nepal had been ruled by the Rana’s (one of the caste of Nepal), who tried to suppress the education of the population for their benefit, so that they can rule the country for long time. Government later on tried to increase the elderly literacy with some education program developed mainly for the women and the elderly people and they succeeded to somewhat. Elderly literacy in Nepal is even affected with the ethnic group as well. The Brahaman elderly are more literate than other ethnic group as they have to perform some cultural activities and they occupation which requires education.
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 62.8%
male: 69.7%
female: 55.9% (2003 est.)
MARITAL STATUS OF THE ELDERLY
The marital status of the elderly is an important indicator of their places of residence, their support systems and, importantly, their individual well-being. The elderly that are still married tend to recover more rapidly from illness, have better mental health, utilize more health promoting services, socialize more and are generally more satisfied with their lives than those elderly without a partner.
In 1961, only 73.17% male and 32.13% females were married, which increased to 88.3% for male and 71.7% for females in 2001. The lower proportion of married elderly women may be due to society’s strict prohibition of widow remarriage. This prohibition is in addition to and exacerbated by the male tendency of marrying a younger woman. In Nepalese culture, widower remarriage is not accepted before centuries, during ruling by Rana’s. One of the Rana Prime Ministers later on bring changes in the policy and allowed the widowers remarriage. Though it’s legally allowed and accepted, widower remarriage is still not in good practice among the Nepalese citizen. Males marrying multiple women are not allowed in the Nepal. The proportion of never married elderly in Nepal is low, possibly due to the prevalent universal marriage system in that society. Many parents in that society believe they are responsible for the marriage of their offspring. Arranged marriages are common in Nepal. Love marriage in proportion to arrange is relatively minimal.
ETHNICITY:
The population in Nepal is made up from diverse ethnic groups. The largest single ethnic group is Chhettri (16%), followed by: Brahman-Hill (13%), Magar (7), Taru (7%), Tamang (6%), Newar (5%), Muslim (4%), Kami (4%), Yadav (4%) and ‘other’ (34%). The number of elderly present in Nepal has great effect due to the ethnicity of Nepal as different ethnic group perform different activities according to the ethnic culture. Chettetri ethnic people have different celebration days than the other group and have different kind of belief followed by different types of eating habits. Chettri, are the people mostly found in the Kathmandu and gives emphasis to the groupism and strength. While as newar are mostly resident of the capital city Kathmandu and gives emphasis to the socialization, sharing and parties. They tend to be more cultural and social than the other ethnic group. They have lots of cultural celebrating days. The elderly people above 75 in this ethnic group are considered to be the god, so they give more emphasis to the elderly people. Newar elderly seem to be little conservative on the matter of health as they believe that sickness is merely the curse from the god than from the disease. The local elderly living in the Kathmandu are very much conscious about their health and will be seen gradually taking part in the health promotional activities and social activities. Gurung, tamang, tharu are found mostly far from capital city and they are very sociable. They believe ancestors are the gods and praise the elderly people.
RELIGION:
Since Nepal is the only official Hindu state in the world, the majority of the population in Nepal practice the Hindu religion (86% of the population), whilst the remaining religions are represented by Buddhists (8%), Muslims (4%) and ‘other’ (2%). Though other religions are negligible in comparison to the others, there are some total of 10 religions can be found in the Nepal. The elderly of Hindu religion are sociable enough but not as the Buddhist, who constantly takes part in the social activities and will be found active in the gumba (religious place). Buddhist religious people tend to have more elderly people according to the religious belief and their eating habit, than the other group. Buddhist religious people are mostly vegetarian and non-violent as their religion is against the violence and eating meat. Buddhist elderly have less common problems with mental health, as they would be relatively taking part in the social activities and would not be lonely. The elderly people in the Buddhist religion are given more value by the younger and give them respect and considered as the teacher. While as in the other religion, this is not so often seen.
OCCUPATION:
Among 65+ years aged persons, 47.12% are found economically active with sex differential of 59.7% for males and 34.30% for females.
Economically active among aged 65+ years , by development regions, 2001 in
%’s.
Region Male Female Both Sexes
Eastern Dev. Region 62.02 35.28 48.74
Central Dev. Region 58.66 29.84 44.20
Western Dev. Region 58.88 36.39 47.86
Mid-Western Dev. Region 5ng the5.04 32.83 44.60
Far-Western Dev. Region 65.31 46.12 55.58
Nepal 59.70 34.30 47.12
Source : Based on Census 2001, CBS.
The table shows that Far Western Region as compared to other development regions has the highest percentage of aged persons among both sexes who are economically active. On the other hand, Central Region as compared to other regions has the least % of females aged 65+ years that are economically active.
Most of the people in the Nepal tend to be dependent on the farming as their occupation and only few percentage are involved with other occupation. So does the elderly people in the Nepal. Elderly people above 65 can be seen working in the field, and enjoying their life. When elderly people will not be able to work in the field, they will be involved with some other occupation such as knitting of the mattress by the males and sweaters and other stuffs by the females. So the elderly population keeps themselves productive most of the time.
LANGUAGES:
In Nepal Nepali is the national languages used all over the Nepal. While as each caste and each ethnic group in the Nepal tend to have their own language. According to governmental record there are around 90 languages in the Nepal. Most of the elderly in the Nepal can speak can understand Nepali very well, while as English is not so common among the elderly people of the Nepal. They tend to speak their own mother tongue, language according to their ethnicity and caste, in their house and with their relatives and Nepali with other visitor from different locality and different ethnicity. Elderly people tend to give emphasis on their mother tongue language then in others. They constantly encourage younger to speak ethnic language. Language does not have great effect on the health and belief of the elderly, but elderly seems to be proud of their own language.
CONCLUSION:
Nepal is the country with vast diversity in the culture and in the ethnic group; where there is different beliefs are prevalent among the elderly people according to their caste and religion. Increasing number of elderly population in Nepal is demanding for changes in the policy for the elderly. Government and local population has to take in consideration in the services provided to the elderly as the number of increasing in elderly is more than the total population increase. More services and facilities are to be given for the elderly people and lots of elderly homes and special hospitals for the elderly are to be made considering the elderly number increasing. The numbers of elderly people are increasing in the Nepal, which shows that Nepal is in state of development. The present ageing index 65+ years of 10.69% is expected to increase to 12.65% by 2031. Elderly people tend to me more sociable in the Nepal, so youth should encourage them to be more sociable by supporting them and giving opportunities for them as it might decrease the morbidity, mortality and mental health problem in elder people. Youths support to the elderly people would be greatest help for the elderly people than the governments support as elderly in Nepal love to be sociable and be with people around them.
Elderly people should be given increase access to the information regarding their rights at home and in the society including their rights to governmental services provision as most of the elderly literacy percentage is relatively low. More of the elderly literate program to be run in the county, so to increase the literacy rate among the elderly and women.
Nepal being the landlocked country is having border with the India from three sides and the China from one side. Nepal is relatively beautiful country with the area of 141, 181 sq. km in the south Asia region, having 885 km in the east-west direction and with the mean north-south width of 193 km. Financially Nepal is not considered strong but culturally, Nepal is rich for its diversity, peculiarity, and uniqueness. Nepal has 101 ethnic groups, 92 languages, 10 religions and 3 geographical regions and a population of 28.6 (2005 census) million people living 157 persons per sq km which was just 40 in 1911. The 2001 census showed that 57.5 % of the population belonged to a caste, 2/3 of them living in the hills and 1/3 in the Tarai. Dalits (untouchables) who make up 13.6% of the population are one of the most disadvantaged and backward groups2. It has five development regions: Eastern, Central, Western, Mid-western and Far-western with 14 zones, 75 districts, 58 municipalities and 3915 village development committees which are further divided into small political units called wards. National standard living survey 2003/4 reports that poverty incidence decreased from 42% in 1995/6 to 31% in 2003/4, however rural urban disparity still exist (rural poverty-35% and urban poverty-10%). A significant increase in remittances, increase in wages, improved connectivity and access to markets, urbanization, and falling birth rates were behind this decline. Household receiving remittances went up to 32% in 2004 from 23% in 1996 (MoF, 2006).
AGE DISTRIBUTION IN NEPAL
Ageing is the ultimate manifestation of the biological, psychological, and demographical activities in the individual human being and population in large. Nepal is having the sum total of population of 28,676,547 (2005 census). Persons of age 60+, is considered as the elderly in the context of the Nepal. The elderly population is 10,61032, a 7.46% of the total population.
Age structure: According to the census 2003
0-14 years: 39.7% (male 5,424,396; female 5,080,171)
15-64 years: 56.7% (male 7,692,134; female 7,320,059)
60 years and over: 7.46% (male 468,697; female 484,112) (2003 est.)
According to the census 2005
Data Size
Population
28,676,547 (2005)
Growth Rate 2.2%
Population below 14 Years old 39%
Population of age 15 to 59 57.3%
Population above 60 7.46%
Pyramid showing the population of Nepal
Age distribution by major age groups, prior and post 1951.
Prior 1951 Post 1951
Age group 1911 1941 1971 2001
0-14 38.68 39.16 39.72 39.31
60+ 4.28 5.33 5.88 7.46
65+ 2.43 3.17 3.17 4.21
75+ 0.45 0.65 0.87 1.30
The above data implies that Nepal is in the state of development, as the youths ranging from 14-59 are in the majority. Nepal is having relatively few numbers of aged people in comparison with the other groups of the people; however, the older population is increasing both in terms of absolute numbers and as a proportion of the total population; unfortunately, traditional family norms and values of supporting the elderly are eroding. There were 1.6 million elderly inhabitants which constitutes 7.46% of the total population in 2001 which will be double by 2017. Persons of 60+ years are known as elderly people in Nepal, the index of ageing has increased from 11.7% in 1911 to 18.89% by 2001. For the aged 65+ years, the increment is from 6.28% in 1911 to 10.69% by 2001. The rate of increasing older people is rapid from 1971 to 2001. During the period 1991–2001, the annual elderly population growth rate was 3.39%, which was higher than the annual population growth rate of 2.1%. Increasing in the ageing population is mainly due to advancement and easily availability in the health services. This increasing number of elderly in Nepal is enforcing government to change the policy towards the helping of the elderly people and building of infrastructure considering elderly people.
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female
total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY CONDITION OF ELDERLY IN NEPAL
Mortality Rate among Aged Persons
Though starting age of ageing is considered as 60 years in most of the previous discussions, 50 years age is considered for the starting age for high risk mortality among aged persons. It is based on common observation that by a person reaches 50 years, multitude of Physiological and Psychological problems start to show their effects on the physical health of a person accelerating the risk of his/ her death as age advances.
Adjusted death rates among aged persons, Nepal, 2001.
Age Group Male Female Both Sexes
50 – 54 18.70 11.87 14.24
55 – 59 30.04 20.69 23.77
60 – 64 47.59 32.85 37.46
65 – 69 64.39 47.84 52.38
70 – 74 103.10 72.60 82.12
75 – 79 149.89 97.08 114.55
80 + 296.28 211.13 235.35
All Ages 13.89 9.73 11.00
Median Age at death 78.10 81.60 79.52
Source: Present study, based on Census, 2001, CBS
Unadjusted death rates for all ages according to 2001 census report are found only 5.24 per thousand for males, 4.15 per thousand for females and 4.7 per thousand for both sexes. These rates are very low as compared to 11 per thousand reported for both sexes in U.N’s population data sheet for 2002.271. The above table shows that up to age group 50-54 years, the death rates for both sexes are only 3% to 5% higher than for all ages. .But as age advances, the rate substantially increases for both sexes and at age 80 years and above, the rate attaining the levels of 296.28 per thousand for males, 211.13 per thousand for females and 235.35 per thousand for both. From the table, it is clear that among aged persons, death rates for females are much lower than for males. Median age at death for aged 50 + years persons is found as 78.1 years for males, 81.6 years for females and 79.52 years for both sexes.
Deaths occur at old age due to many causes. One cause is the natural processes due to ageing .Others are due to various diseases, accidents and suicides etc. Twenty five specific reasons of deaths are included in Census inquiry of 2001. Data analysis of deaths by specific reasons for 65+ years aged persons by sex shows that highest of 41.33% deaths among males aged 65+ years occurred due to Natural rules followed by 21.66% due to other causes not included for the inquiry. Among females, highest of 26.97% deaths occurred due to causes not included for the inquiry, followed by 16.97% due to Natural rules. Excluding the cases of Non-stated which accounted to 7.45% in case of males and 8.05% in case of females, third specific cause is the Asthma which caused 11.02% of deaths among aged males and 7.68% of deaths among aged females followed by cancer causing 3.11% of death among males and 4.61% of death among females. Next to cancer, tuberculosis and heart diseases are the main causes of deaths among males, but among females, miscarriage and heart disease followed by the Cancer for causing more deaths.
The 85% of elderly people are living in rural areas depending upon their agricultural profession and living under the poverty due to lack of access to resources and income generation activities. They suffer from the cumulative effects of a lifetime of deprivation, lack of education, poor health and nutrition, low social status, discrimination and restriction on mobility, entering old age in a poor state of health and without saving or material assets. They lack means to fulfill their basic needs such as food, clothes, shelter, health care, love and safe drinking water. Gender inequality and discrimination against women continue from before birth to death (NEPAN, 2002).
LITERACY OF ELDERLY PEOPLE
The literacy rate (those who can read and write) for aged 65+ years is found as 27.0% for males and 4.07 % for females and 47.12% are found economically active with sex differential of 59.7% for males and 34.30% for females. For both sexes, the literacy rate for aged 65+ years is found as 15.64 %. But for districts of Katmandu valley, the literacy rates for both sexes are found much higher than those observed for all Nepal. Low elderly literacy rate is due to the political situation of the Nepal. Nepal had been ruled by the Rana’s (one of the caste of Nepal), who tried to suppress the education of the population for their benefit, so that they can rule the country for long time. Government later on tried to increase the elderly literacy with some education program developed mainly for the women and the elderly people and they succeeded to somewhat. Elderly literacy in Nepal is even affected with the ethnic group as well. The Brahaman elderly are more literate than other ethnic group as they have to perform some cultural activities and they occupation which requires education.
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 62.8%
male: 69.7%
female: 55.9% (2003 est.)
MARITAL STATUS OF THE ELDERLY
The marital status of the elderly is an important indicator of their places of residence, their support systems and, importantly, their individual well-being. The elderly that are still married tend to recover more rapidly from illness, have better mental health, utilize more health promoting services, socialize more and are generally more satisfied with their lives than those elderly without a partner.
In 1961, only 73.17% male and 32.13% females were married, which increased to 88.3% for male and 71.7% for females in 2001. The lower proportion of married elderly women may be due to society’s strict prohibition of widow remarriage. This prohibition is in addition to and exacerbated by the male tendency of marrying a younger woman. In Nepalese culture, widower remarriage is not accepted before centuries, during ruling by Rana’s. One of the Rana Prime Ministers later on bring changes in the policy and allowed the widowers remarriage. Though it’s legally allowed and accepted, widower remarriage is still not in good practice among the Nepalese citizen. Males marrying multiple women are not allowed in the Nepal. The proportion of never married elderly in Nepal is low, possibly due to the prevalent universal marriage system in that society. Many parents in that society believe they are responsible for the marriage of their offspring. Arranged marriages are common in Nepal. Love marriage in proportion to arrange is relatively minimal.
ETHNICITY:
The population in Nepal is made up from diverse ethnic groups. The largest single ethnic group is Chhettri (16%), followed by: Brahman-Hill (13%), Magar (7), Taru (7%), Tamang (6%), Newar (5%), Muslim (4%), Kami (4%), Yadav (4%) and ‘other’ (34%). The number of elderly present in Nepal has great effect due to the ethnicity of Nepal as different ethnic group perform different activities according to the ethnic culture. Chettetri ethnic people have different celebration days than the other group and have different kind of belief followed by different types of eating habits. Chettri, are the people mostly found in the Kathmandu and gives emphasis to the groupism and strength. While as newar are mostly resident of the capital city Kathmandu and gives emphasis to the socialization, sharing and parties. They tend to be more cultural and social than the other ethnic group. They have lots of cultural celebrating days. The elderly people above 75 in this ethnic group are considered to be the god, so they give more emphasis to the elderly people. Newar elderly seem to be little conservative on the matter of health as they believe that sickness is merely the curse from the god than from the disease. The local elderly living in the Kathmandu are very much conscious about their health and will be seen gradually taking part in the health promotional activities and social activities. Gurung, tamang, tharu are found mostly far from capital city and they are very sociable. They believe ancestors are the gods and praise the elderly people.
RELIGION:
Since Nepal is the only official Hindu state in the world, the majority of the population in Nepal practice the Hindu religion (86% of the population), whilst the remaining religions are represented by Buddhists (8%), Muslims (4%) and ‘other’ (2%). Though other religions are negligible in comparison to the others, there are some total of 10 religions can be found in the Nepal. The elderly of Hindu religion are sociable enough but not as the Buddhist, who constantly takes part in the social activities and will be found active in the gumba (religious place). Buddhist religious people tend to have more elderly people according to the religious belief and their eating habit, than the other group. Buddhist religious people are mostly vegetarian and non-violent as their religion is against the violence and eating meat. Buddhist elderly have less common problems with mental health, as they would be relatively taking part in the social activities and would not be lonely. The elderly people in the Buddhist religion are given more value by the younger and give them respect and considered as the teacher. While as in the other religion, this is not so often seen.
OCCUPATION:
Among 65+ years aged persons, 47.12% are found economically active with sex differential of 59.7% for males and 34.30% for females.
Economically active among aged 65+ years , by development regions, 2001 in
%’s.
Region Male Female Both Sexes
Eastern Dev. Region 62.02 35.28 48.74
Central Dev. Region 58.66 29.84 44.20
Western Dev. Region 58.88 36.39 47.86
Mid-Western Dev. Region 5ng the5.04 32.83 44.60
Far-Western Dev. Region 65.31 46.12 55.58
Nepal 59.70 34.30 47.12
Source : Based on Census 2001, CBS.
The table shows that Far Western Region as compared to other development regions has the highest percentage of aged persons among both sexes who are economically active. On the other hand, Central Region as compared to other regions has the least % of females aged 65+ years that are economically active.
Most of the people in the Nepal tend to be dependent on the farming as their occupation and only few percentage are involved with other occupation. So does the elderly people in the Nepal. Elderly people above 65 can be seen working in the field, and enjoying their life. When elderly people will not be able to work in the field, they will be involved with some other occupation such as knitting of the mattress by the males and sweaters and other stuffs by the females. So the elderly population keeps themselves productive most of the time.
LANGUAGES:
In Nepal Nepali is the national languages used all over the Nepal. While as each caste and each ethnic group in the Nepal tend to have their own language. According to governmental record there are around 90 languages in the Nepal. Most of the elderly in the Nepal can speak can understand Nepali very well, while as English is not so common among the elderly people of the Nepal. They tend to speak their own mother tongue, language according to their ethnicity and caste, in their house and with their relatives and Nepali with other visitor from different locality and different ethnicity. Elderly people tend to give emphasis on their mother tongue language then in others. They constantly encourage younger to speak ethnic language. Language does not have great effect on the health and belief of the elderly, but elderly seems to be proud of their own language.
CONCLUSION:
Nepal is the country with vast diversity in the culture and in the ethnic group; where there is different beliefs are prevalent among the elderly people according to their caste and religion. Increasing number of elderly population in Nepal is demanding for changes in the policy for the elderly. Government and local population has to take in consideration in the services provided to the elderly as the number of increasing in elderly is more than the total population increase. More services and facilities are to be given for the elderly people and lots of elderly homes and special hospitals for the elderly are to be made considering the elderly number increasing. The numbers of elderly people are increasing in the Nepal, which shows that Nepal is in state of development. The present ageing index 65+ years of 10.69% is expected to increase to 12.65% by 2031. Elderly people tend to me more sociable in the Nepal, so youth should encourage them to be more sociable by supporting them and giving opportunities for them as it might decrease the morbidity, mortality and mental health problem in elder people. Youths support to the elderly people would be greatest help for the elderly people than the governments support as elderly in Nepal love to be sociable and be with people around them.
Elderly people should be given increase access to the information regarding their rights at home and in the society including their rights to governmental services provision as most of the elderly literacy percentage is relatively low. More of the elderly literate program to be run in the county, so to increase the literacy rate among the elderly and women.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Shiva Ratri, a great day for Hindus
Shiva Ratri, the day devoted to Shiva, the day devoted to marijuana, and the great day for the devotees of the Shiva. This is the Hindu religious people great day, as they will be celebrating the Hindu’s great god’s birthday, his marriage ceremony with Parvati, his wife, and the opportunistic day when the devotees’ sins will be cancelled. This day is celebrated in the fourteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Falgun, (February - March). This day has different meaning to different devotees, as some may think this day is day for celebration of the marijuana day, some think this is day is day for great vrata, and some may even think this is a great day for achieving supernatural power by worshipping the Mahadeva.
Shiva Ratri is devoted day for the lord Shiva and celebration of his great events of the life. Shiva Ratri according to the Hindu religion is the day when the Shiva crated himself by the Devine grace. It is even considered that this is a day when Shiva married his wife Parvati. There are lots of stories behind today’s date. According to some stories, once when everything in all the worlds got reduced into Lord Shiva, in that darkness of nothing present, the mother Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva in the agamic way with great devotion. The great god pleased by her prayer blessed her. She asked for the benefit of all the creatures that in future whoever worships the Lord on the Shiva Ratri day with devotion, they should be blessed and should be given the ultimate liberation. The pashupati granted that showing way for all of us to get blessed easily. There are lots of stories which prevails the start and important of the Shiva Ratri.
Shiva Ratri is even celebrated by the devotees of hindu religion by the day for the marijuana. Lord Shiva is considered as the one who love to have marijuana and who enjoys being in trip of the marijuana. According to the hindu religion, marijuana is considered as medicine from the pain, and to leave the pain behind and loss in peace and harmony. So, people smoke marijuana in this day as following the track of the Shiva.
It is the great day for devotees for the great vrata. There is a story that says that who ever worships the Shiva this day will be out of sin and will be able to get the desired things. According to one story, once a hunter in a jungle after searching throughout the jungle, was quite tired and could not get any animal. In the nightfall a tiger started chasing him. to escape from that he climbed a tree. That was a Bilva tree. The tiger sat under the tree waiting for him to come down. The hunter who sat on a branch of the tree was quite tense and didn't want to sleep. He was plucking the leaves and putting down as he was not able to be idle. Below the tree there was a Shiva lingam. The whole night went on like this. God was pleased with the Upavasa (hunger) and the Pooja the hunter and the tiger did even without knowledge. He is the peak of the grace. He gave the hunter and the tiger "Moksha". So this is a grate day for devotees of the Mahadeva.
Shiva Ratri is devoted day for the lord Shiva and celebration of his great events of the life. Shiva Ratri according to the Hindu religion is the day when the Shiva crated himself by the Devine grace. It is even considered that this is a day when Shiva married his wife Parvati. There are lots of stories behind today’s date. According to some stories, once when everything in all the worlds got reduced into Lord Shiva, in that darkness of nothing present, the mother Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva in the agamic way with great devotion. The great god pleased by her prayer blessed her. She asked for the benefit of all the creatures that in future whoever worships the Lord on the Shiva Ratri day with devotion, they should be blessed and should be given the ultimate liberation. The pashupati granted that showing way for all of us to get blessed easily. There are lots of stories which prevails the start and important of the Shiva Ratri.
Shiva Ratri is even celebrated by the devotees of hindu religion by the day for the marijuana. Lord Shiva is considered as the one who love to have marijuana and who enjoys being in trip of the marijuana. According to the hindu religion, marijuana is considered as medicine from the pain, and to leave the pain behind and loss in peace and harmony. So, people smoke marijuana in this day as following the track of the Shiva.
It is the great day for devotees for the great vrata. There is a story that says that who ever worships the Shiva this day will be out of sin and will be able to get the desired things. According to one story, once a hunter in a jungle after searching throughout the jungle, was quite tired and could not get any animal. In the nightfall a tiger started chasing him. to escape from that he climbed a tree. That was a Bilva tree. The tiger sat under the tree waiting for him to come down. The hunter who sat on a branch of the tree was quite tense and didn't want to sleep. He was plucking the leaves and putting down as he was not able to be idle. Below the tree there was a Shiva lingam. The whole night went on like this. God was pleased with the Upavasa (hunger) and the Pooja the hunter and the tiger did even without knowledge. He is the peak of the grace. He gave the hunter and the tiger "Moksha". So this is a grate day for devotees of the Mahadeva.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Phagu purnima-a day of colors
Phagu purnima, a day of colors or the day devoted for the colors. Lots different colors are played during this day. Actually it’s a day for colors but when I was child it does have different meaning for me. For me, this phagu purnima is the day where I get permit to hit the balloons filled with water to anybody of my wish, especially to the young ladies of my age or to beautiful ladies. We enjoy hitting the balloons among us friends as well. And in addition, I would remember this day as the day when I can get opportunity to get wild with water, balloons, colors, and freedom from all the stuffs, i.e. study, household work and other responsibilities.
This Phagu purnima lies in the mid of February to the early of the March. This day lies in the purnima of the phaguan months. Sometimes this day goes behind the phaguan month as well, but this is a day of purnima (a full moon day). This phagu purnima is allegedly named after the Hindu mythical demonness Holika, a sister of Hiranyakasyapu. Phagu is another name of holi. This was the day when Holika was burned in the fire, when she attempted to burn the Prahlad in her lap.
From another mystical view, it is believed that holi is also considered as the festive of fire as well. It is believed that Putna the demonness was sent to kill Krishna by feeding her poisonous milk, but Krishna sucked the milk and along with milk sucked the blood of Putna as well and she was killed by Krishna during his childhood. Then body of Putna was burnt in the day of holi and after that day onward holi is celebrated.
No matter what the mystical thing says; holi has its own importance. It’s the day when color is played all over the country of Nepal as well as India. It’s a day to indicate the colorful days after the long winter. It’s celebrated with spraying water to each other since people will stop feeling cold, as winter waves a goodbye hand. So it’s a good indication of ending of winter season in the Nepal.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Maghe Sankranti
With the beginning of the month of the Magh of the Nepali calendar; in the mid of the January is the celebration day of the Maghe Sankrati of the Nepali people. This Maghe Sankrati is celebrated in the 1st of the Magh of Nepali calendar. I being the newar of the Kathmandu valley love to celebrate this day as this day brings up with lots of chaku (molasses), ghee, ladoo (seasame seeds ball cakes), shakhar Khanda (sweet potato) and lots of other edible foods. Not only this much, in this day we will be celebrating by visiting all the relatives (especially relatives from the mothers side) and getting the blessing and food from them. In this day, the mother’s brother will be waiting for their nephews, to give them food and blessing. They will not even drink or eat until they give something to the nephews. According to Newari culture, this day is celebrated this way. Since right now I am in the foreign country, I do really miss this day. In these days, I will be enjoying my whole day in my grandmother’s house with other cousins.
In other cast of Nepal they celebrate this day very differently. They would eat the food chaku (molasses), ladoo (seasame seeds ball cakes), shakhar Khanda (sweet potato), khichari (mixture of rice and lentils), ghee, green leaf spinach etc are eaten in this day. These foods are nutritionally high valued and gives lots of energy and heat to the body. Since Magh 1st is considered to be most cold day, these things are eaten up to make people warm.
Mid of December, the Poush month according to the Nepali calendar is considered to be ill-omened month, so in this month all religious celebration are forbidden. It is even believed that newly married couples are even separated in this month, according to belief of ill-omen. By the beginning of the Magh 1st, people will be enjoying the religious celebration and newly couples were united. This day is considered to be great holy day for taking the bath in the union of sacred river and streams though the weather is cold.
Like other holy celebration Maghe Sankrati does have its own legend as well. Once the business from Bhadgoun (one of the city of Nepal) was selling the seasame seeds, despite selling a lot of seasame seeds, his supply of seasame seeds did not diminish. When he looks in the matter, he found the idol of the Lord Vishnu hidden deep beneath the seeds. Since, after this day the god Til Madhav idol is worshipped with believing god will give food and wealth to people. According to the Hindu religion, this day is considered to be day when the doors to the heaven will open. Bhisma Pitamaha (elderly grandfather of pandav and kaurav) wished to die, as the way to the region of gods opened.
Well no matter what legend there are in culture, but one thing is true that this day is good to be celebrated scientifically. Since January and February is considered to be cold days, the food eaten in this days are very nutritious and heat provider, which is good for cold seasons.
In other cast of Nepal they celebrate this day very differently. They would eat the food chaku (molasses), ladoo (seasame seeds ball cakes), shakhar Khanda (sweet potato), khichari (mixture of rice and lentils), ghee, green leaf spinach etc are eaten in this day. These foods are nutritionally high valued and gives lots of energy and heat to the body. Since Magh 1st is considered to be most cold day, these things are eaten up to make people warm.
Mid of December, the Poush month according to the Nepali calendar is considered to be ill-omened month, so in this month all religious celebration are forbidden. It is even believed that newly married couples are even separated in this month, according to belief of ill-omen. By the beginning of the Magh 1st, people will be enjoying the religious celebration and newly couples were united. This day is considered to be great holy day for taking the bath in the union of sacred river and streams though the weather is cold.
Like other holy celebration Maghe Sankrati does have its own legend as well. Once the business from Bhadgoun (one of the city of Nepal) was selling the seasame seeds, despite selling a lot of seasame seeds, his supply of seasame seeds did not diminish. When he looks in the matter, he found the idol of the Lord Vishnu hidden deep beneath the seeds. Since, after this day the god Til Madhav idol is worshipped with believing god will give food and wealth to people. According to the Hindu religion, this day is considered to be day when the doors to the heaven will open. Bhisma Pitamaha (elderly grandfather of pandav and kaurav) wished to die, as the way to the region of gods opened.
Well no matter what legend there are in culture, but one thing is true that this day is good to be celebrated scientifically. Since January and February is considered to be cold days, the food eaten in this days are very nutritious and heat provider, which is good for cold seasons.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Jimmy Carter- Best of luck
Jimmy Carter, former US president is in Nepal for his third visit. He is the 39th president of USA from 1977 to 1981, and is well known person for negotiation between two parties. He is known for achievement of Camp David Accords in 1978, which is groundwork for peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Carter invited leader of both country to United States and made and agreement between them so that they could help them work out a fair peace treaty. Now he is in Nepal, in the time of political crisis in Nepal.
He arrived in Nepal yesterday, 21st of November for the four days visit in Nepal. He met with prime Minister of Nepal Girija Prashad Koirala, according to the Koirala’s advisor, Aditya prashad Baral. Jimmy Carter was scheduled to meet with leaders of the former communist rebels, Maoists later on this Thursday.
Since Jimmy carter is well known for diplomatic dealing and a good negotiator, I hope that he would able to make negotiation between the Nepal government and the communist rebels. I hope that his diplomatic techniques would able to make dealing with those two parties and bring the peace in Nepal. The clear signs of their agreement would be the election of Nepal which has been shifted due to the Maoisist entering to the jungle leaving the present government of Nepal. I wish all the best to Jimmy carter so that he could make agreement between two parties which might be core land mark in Nepal’s history.
He arrived in Nepal yesterday, 21st of November for the four days visit in Nepal. He met with prime Minister of Nepal Girija Prashad Koirala, according to the Koirala’s advisor, Aditya prashad Baral. Jimmy Carter was scheduled to meet with leaders of the former communist rebels, Maoists later on this Thursday.
Since Jimmy carter is well known for diplomatic dealing and a good negotiator, I hope that he would able to make negotiation between the Nepal government and the communist rebels. I hope that his diplomatic techniques would able to make dealing with those two parties and bring the peace in Nepal. The clear signs of their agreement would be the election of Nepal which has been shifted due to the Maoisist entering to the jungle leaving the present government of Nepal. I wish all the best to Jimmy carter so that he could make agreement between two parties which might be core land mark in Nepal’s history.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Ghode Jatra
Being a Newar in caste of Kathmandu, we have lots of festival to celebrate. Among them Ghode Jatra is one. Ghode Jatra which mean the festive of the horse riding. Ghode means horse, Jatra means a celebration. This Ghode Jatra lies in the mid of march and Early of April. Last year it was in 1st of April. In the Ghode Jatra, other people will celebrate by watching the horse race, different stunt of horses and different gymnastic and different motor cycle stunt in the Tudikhel showground. But Me being newar we have lots of other activities going on our home. It’s a festive for us, so we will have to prepare a meal (mostly newar festival meal, haku chhoyela (meat dried in smoke), tuyu thon (a sort of alcohol made from rice and white in color), samaya baji (a mixture of bitten rice, some soyabean, so mixture of ginger pieces, fish, bread of black pulses etc), and much more other things. We have to invite relatives on this day to our home to celebrate it. So for me, it is a day of feast and I enjoy a lot.
According to the story I have heard from my grand father, the people of Kathmandu defeated the demon and buried under the Tudinkhel. That land where demon was buried needed to be trampled on the horses each year so that it will not rise and spread terror on the people. So every year Ghode Jatra is celebrated. As a custom king of the country has to come to watch those horse parade. The horse parade and stunt will be performed by the army of the Nepal and all the higher posted army should be presented on that day. King should also wear the army uniform in that day.
The Ghode jatra of Nepal is the unique Jatra of Nepal and solely celebrated in Nepal only. If you visited Nepal in Mid March and Early April you can observe this festival in Tudikhel. Personally I love this Festive a lot cause there will be lots of Newari food available in this day.
According to the story I have heard from my grand father, the people of Kathmandu defeated the demon and buried under the Tudinkhel. That land where demon was buried needed to be trampled on the horses each year so that it will not rise and spread terror on the people. So every year Ghode Jatra is celebrated. As a custom king of the country has to come to watch those horse parade. The horse parade and stunt will be performed by the army of the Nepal and all the higher posted army should be presented on that day. King should also wear the army uniform in that day.
The Ghode jatra of Nepal is the unique Jatra of Nepal and solely celebrated in Nepal only. If you visited Nepal in Mid March and Early April you can observe this festival in Tudikhel. Personally I love this Festive a lot cause there will be lots of Newari food available in this day.
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