A field study assessing the health care needs of senior citizens in Upper Mustang, Nepal

A review of the literature highlights the growing challenges posed by Nepal’s aging population, which now comprises 6.9% of the nation’s total population. This research offers an innovative approach to enhancing the quality of life of Nepal’s elderly population. The study’s primary goal is to assess the health care status of senior citizens through a personal interview. This will later be used to determine elderly care needs. A field study was implemented in Lomanthang R.M., Upper Mustang. The main focus of this study was the visit to all i.e. 188 senior citizens, conducted through face-to-face interviews guided by a comprehensive questionnaire. Special attention was paid to the issue of quality of life, with targeted questions on the socio-emotional well-being. The field study gave us significant insight into the daily life of senior citizens in Lomanthang. All items were evaluated according to frequency and severity. The majority of seniors complained that they missed their children. Our survey reveals that a great number of seniors (38%, n = 72) consume alcohol, some to a considerable extent. It was found that alcohol was consumed to forget one’s own worries/family-related memories. The vast majority of our participants attested that their greatest happiness lies in their relationship with family and good friends or going out in sun and chatting with neighbors.