What the study found
The study found that Nepal's population is ageing quickly, and that ageing patterns differ strongly by province and ecological zone. It also found that women have higher survival and life expectancy than men.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that these geographically uneven ageing patterns suggest the need for equity-based and differentiated social and health protection measures. They present the findings as relevant to social and health policy.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed census data from 1952/54, 1991, and 2021. They estimated the percentage and growth of older adults, dependency rates, ageing indices, survival rates, and remaining life expectancy by ecological zone and province using descriptive statistical techniques.
What worked and what didn't
The percentage of older adults increased from 5.0 percent in 1952/54 to 10.2 percent in 2021. The abstract reports that ageing indicators vary greatly across provinces, and that women consistently have higher survival and life expectancy than men.
What to keep in mind
The summary provided here is based on descriptive analysis of census data, so it describes patterns rather than testing a causal explanation. The abstract does not describe specific limitations beyond the scope of the available census-based comparisons.
Key points
- Nepal's older adult population grew from 5.0% in 1952/54 to 10.2% in 2021.
- Ageing indicators differ greatly across provinces and ecological zones.
- Women have higher survival and life expectancy than men.
- The study used census data from 1952/54, 1991, and 2021.
- The authors suggest equity-based and differentiated social and health protection measures.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Regional ageing disparities in Nepal differ by province and gender
- Authors:
- Tilak Prasad Sharma, Choplal Dhamala
- Institutions:
- Tribhuvan University
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-23
- OpenAlex record:
- View
Get the weekly research newsletter
Stay current with peer-reviewed research without reading academic papers — one filtered digest, every Friday.

