Older people's satisfaction with and utilisation patterns of the Old Age Allowance in Nepal

Objective The Old Age Allowance in Nepal aims to support the welfare of older people, to improve their social and economic status and to encourage independence. The aim of this study was to assess satisfaction with and utilisation patterns of the Old Age Allowance among older people in Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in Chitwan, Nepal. Face-to-face interviews were carried out with 232 older people asking about demographics, and satisfaction and utilisation of Old Age Allowance. Results Seventy-two per cent of older people expressed satisfaction with the Old Age Allowance. The highest satisfaction level (81.9%) was associated with the satisfaction scale construct of contribution to religious practices. Satisfaction with the allowance was associated with family relationships and dissatisfaction with higher expectations of allowance. The allowance was predominantly utilised for personal expenditure (91.4%), followed by health and medicine (75.0%). Conclusion The Old Age Allowance is a necessary and important contribution to keeping older people connected with family and community.