ABSTRACT
Ageing is now a global issue. The increase in life expectancy is a real testimony to human development and improvements in population health and welfare. However, it also presents many challenges for governments and health and social care workers alike (Higo & Williamson, 2011; Powell & Cook, 2009). For a country such as Nepal, these challenges are compounded by the need to prioritise areas related to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Poverty reduction, reducing maternal and infant mortality, providing adequate sanitation and education, whilst attempting to build a democracy and sustainable economy leaves little time, energy and resources for other groups such as older people. Nepal is not alone and Help Age International (2012a) has recently brought this issue to the international arena. Nepal provides an interesting case study of a country going through rapid democratic as well as demographic change. Most readers will have heard of the Himalayas, particularly Mount Everest, but perhaps know very little about the country itself. Here we provide a brief overview of Nepal.
