Rethinking Formal and Informal Support Mechanism: Spatial variations in Elderly well-being

Abstract

The rapid population ageing, youth out migration, and weakening family care have shown gaps in elderly well-being within the new federal system in Nepal. This paper analyses how formal social protection, particularly, the Old Age Allowance program, act as with informal family and community support across various municipalities and acquire a framework to elucidate the spatial variations in elderly well-being. A narrative literature review with 
thematic content analysis has been used with empirical studies, emphasizing on Kirtipur, Chandragiri, and Dashinkali municipalities as an informative case. The evidence from Kirtipur, Chandragiri and Dashinkali shows spatial variations in elderly abuse, ranging from 11.4 percent to 67.7 percent.  The study concludes that elderly well-being in federal Nepal need not only sufficiently cash transfer support but also strengthened social relationships connecting elders to family, community and state institutions. The major policy innovations should include community care cooperatives, Guthi partnerships, tiered 
allowance system, for vulnerable groups and enhance municipal governance capacity.