KUMJ | VOL. 23 | NO. 4 | ISSUE 92 | OCTOBER-DECEMBER

Relationship between Receipt of Old Age Allowance and Fulfillment of Fundamental Needs among Elderly People in Chandragiri Municipality of Kathmandu
Parajuli K, Devkota BM, Sapkota B, Sijapati DB, Karki K

Abstract:
Background Ageing is a key demographic trend with universal implications, particularly in South Asia. In Nepal, the elderly people face socio-economic challenges such as poverty anddeclining family support. The old age allowance introduced in 1995 and gradually increased over time. Objective To assesses the relationship between old age allowance and fulfillment of fundamental needs among elderly people in Chandragiri Municipality. Method The analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in Chandragiri Municipality from 1st December 2023 to 30th May 2024. Simple random sampling technique was adopted. Participants were asked for socio-demographic information, socioeconomic information, and old age allowances by using a structured interview schedule. Data analysis included descriptive as well as inferential statistics. Thechisquare test wascarried outto assess relationship between old age allowances and fulfillment of fundamental needs. Result Out of 422 elderly individuals, 56.9% lacked an old age allowance, mostly due to age ineligibility (43.4%). Major demographics included 55.7% female, 69.2% Hindu, and 41.2% Janajati. While 54.5% reported adequate income, significant relationship was found between receiving an allowance and the fulfillment of fundamental needs (p = 0.001). Conclusion The study found that nearly half of the participants received old age allowances. It showed that there was relationship between old age allowances and fulfillment of fundamental needs. It is recommended that policymakers and local governments enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of the old age allowance program. Strengthening income sufficiency through supplementary programs or increasing the allowance amount could significantly alleviate financial inadequacies.
Keyword : Chandragiri, Economic status, Elderly people, Old age allowances