Lalitpur, May 7:

Speakers at a workshop today called on all concerned to safeguard rights of senior citizens and help the latter lead respectable lives.

An Act on social security of senior citizens was enforced with effect from November 24, 2006. The act was made to bring day care centres for senior citizens under the purview of law and also make sure that families look after senior citizens.

“In 1991, senior citizens (above 60 years of age) comprised 5.8 per cent of the population. The number increased to 6.5 in 2001. The number of senior citizens is increasing gradually,” Binod Kumar Adhikary, joint secretary at the MoWCSW, said, adding, “The act was prepared to ensure social security for senior citizens and help them lead a dignified life.”

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MoWCSC) and Nepal Participatory Work group had organised the workshop.