President Ram chandra Paudel Calls for Senior Citizen Inclusion

President Ram chandra Paudel has called for stronger efforts to ensure that younger generations benefit from the knowledge, experience, and skills of senior citizens, saying Nepal must prepare for the long-term social impact of an ageing population.

Addressing an international conference on senior citizens organized in Kathmandu on Saturday by the Manmohan Memorial Foundation, the president said older citizens should not be viewed only as recipients of social support but also as valuable contributors to society, policymaking, and community life.

He stressed that Nepal faces growing challenges related to employment, migration, and social change, making it important to create practical policies that allow senior citizens to remain active, respected, and connected to national development.

President calls for intergenerational knowledge sharing

The president said the country should create systems through which the younger generation can learn from the achievements and experiences of senior citizens through educational programs, discussions, and community interaction.

He said older citizens who are physically able and willing to work should be encouraged to participate in suitable activities and remain connected to productive sectors. According to him, their involvement should also be ensured in policy discussions and community-level decision-making processes related to issues affecting them.

Paudel said long-term planning and practical strategies are necessary to address the changing demographic situation in Nepal, where the population is gradually moving toward an ageing structure.

Concerns over migration and changing family structures

The president highlighted the social effects of urbanization, foreign employment, and weakening family relationships, saying many elderly people are facing emotional difficulties in the later stages of life.

He said reports of senior citizens suffering from loneliness and emotional distress have become increasingly worrying for society.

According to him, older citizens should have the opportunity to remain connected with family members and continue social interaction with people of all age groups. He also stressed the importance of ensuring access to healthcare services and healthy living conditions for elderly citizens.

• He emphasized the right of senior citizens to proper healthcare services.
• He said elderly people should have access to healthy food and suitable living conditions.
• He called for stronger family and community support systems.
• He urged authorities to involve senior citizens in public and social activities.

The president noted that many elderly citizens still possess valuable expertise and practical knowledge that can contribute to society if properly utilized.

Nepal can learn from international experiences

Paudel said Nepal can also benefit from studying how other countries manage ageing populations and support elderly citizens through effective systems and policies.

He acknowledged that Nepal continues to face challenges in creating sufficient employment opportunities for young people and workers within the country. In such a situation, he said, it becomes even more important to manage senior citizens in a productive and effective manner.

The president expressed confidence that the international conference would provide an opportunity for Nepal to exchange ideas and learn from experiences beyond its borders.

He also said the gathering could become a bridge for intergenerational understanding and skill transfer between older and younger generations.

Tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari

During his address, the president also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari, describing him as a simple and modest political leader respected both inside and outside Nepal.

He recalled Adhikari’s role in democratic movements and said several political leaders from Nepal had also participated in the struggle for independence in neighboring India.

According to the president, despite ideological differences between democratic and communist forces, Adhikari believed cooperation was necessary to end the partyless Panchayat system and establish multiparty democracy in Nepal.

Paudel also remembered the contributions made by leaders who supported democratic reforms during the national referendum period, saying some leaders faced criticism for supporting a multiparty political system.

Recognition of social security initiatives

The president highlighted the importance of the social security measures introduced during Adhikari’s tenure as prime minister in 1994.

He recalled that the government led by Adhikari introduced Nepal’s first monthly old-age allowance for elderly citizens, calling it a significant step in recognizing the dignity and needs of senior citizens.

According to Paudel, elderly citizens represent a special section of society that has contributed to the nation throughout their lives and now requires greater support and care compared to other groups.

He said protecting the rights and welfare of senior citizens should remain a priority for both the state and society.

Conference focuses on ageing population challenges

The international conference brought together discussions on issues related to senior citizens, changing population trends, and the transfer of knowledge and skills between generations.

The president expressed hope that the event would contribute to meaningful discussions on how Nepal can prepare for the social and economic realities of an ageing society.

He said policymakers, social organizations, and communities must work together to create an environment where elderly citizens can live with dignity, security, and continued social participation.

Paudel concluded his remarks by extending his best wishes for the success of the conference and expressing hope that its discussions would help strengthen cooperation between generations in the years ahead.