𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒃𝒚 2027

By Kezang Choden

Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister, described country’s rapidly aging population as a positive indicator of the country’s development but cautioned that it could present serious challenges if current demographic trends continue. He was responding to a question raised by Dorji Wangmo, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kengkhar-Weringla, during the recent National Assembly session.

MP Dorji Wangmo cited projections indicating that Bhutan is on track to become an aging society by 2027, with the elderly population expected to nearly double by 2047. She urged the government to adopt comprehensive and forward-looking strategies to address the anticipated shift. She stressed the need for strong social protection systems, accessible healthcare, and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, she called for the timely implementation of the National Policy for Senior Citizens. Emphasizing dignity and compassion, she appealed to the government to ensure that Bhutan’s demographic transition does not lead to social strain.

The Prime Minister noted that traditionally, elderly individuals were well cared for by their families, communities, and the state. He warned, however, that this tradition is weakening and must be safeguarded. He attributed the rise in the number of elderly citizens to improved healthcare services and the leadership of His Majesty The King, which has led to an increase in life expectancy from a previously low average to 72 years today.

He highlighted that over the past year alone, more than 1,200 patients were referred to India for medical treatment, incurring a government expenditure of Nu 6.4 million. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that healthcare services, including treatment and referrals, are fully covered by the government.
Tshewang Penjor, a resident of Thimphu originally from Trashigang, spoke about the importance of family-based care for the elderly. Both his parents currently live with him, and he emphasized that caring for aging parents is a duty that should not be overlooked.

“It is the right time to repay the love, care, and sacrifices our parents made for us when we were young, and the government is fulfilling its responsibilities by providing free services to support elderly parents. However, it is equally important for individuals to take personal responsibility in caring for and looking after their aging parents,” he said.
He added that while state support is important, the primary responsibility lies with the family. Tshewang urged younger generations to uphold traditional values and expressed concern about the growing perception that elderly care centres are a solution.

“There should be no need for elderly care centres, as caring for aging parents is a responsibility that every child must uphold. Placing parents in such facilities reflects a weakening of family values and a shift away from Bhutanese traditions,” he said. He added that caring for elderly parents at home fulfils a moral obligation and helps preserve cultural values such as respect, gratitude, and family unity.

The Prime Minister highlighted the unwavering support provided by His Majesty The King to ensure that no senior citizen is left behind. Currently, 725 elderly individuals across all 20 dzongkhags are receiving regular medical check-ups, financial assistance, and support for funeral rites through the district Kidu Officers. Lyonchhen also highlighted the importance of maintaining a fertility rate of at least 2.1 to sustain the country’s population level.

He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, around 30,000 elderly citizens received their essential medicines on time under the King’s guidance. The government has introduced four major initiatives aimed at supporting senior citizens and vulnerable populations. Among these is the National Policy for Senior Citizens, introduced last year, which ensures priority access for elderly individuals in hospitals, public transport, and financial institutions.

Additionally, the government has implemented a policy for persons with disabilities, a rural life insurance scheme, and a broader sustainable development plan. Currently, the elderly care centre in Wangsisina accommodates 62 residents who are provided with food, clothing, and other basic necessities. However, the Prime Minister warned that with a shrinking younger population and a growing elderly demographic, providing adequate care could become more difficult in the future.

Wangchuk, a 75-year-old resident of Depong Gewog in Mongar, shared the challenges of aging without family support. He said he divorced his wife many years ago and has been living alone since.
“In the past, I managed to sustain myself through physical labour,” he said. “But now, I no longer have the strength or energy to work like before.”

With no immediate family to rely on, Wangchuk said that his situation would have been extremely difficult without the Royal Kidu granted by His Majesty The King. He receives monthly support in the form of essential food rations and free healthcare services.
“I feel truly fortunate to be born in this country,” he said. “Without this kidu, I may not have even survived.”
His story highlights the vulnerability of elderly citizens who live alone. While Bhutanese values traditionally emphasize familial care, an increasing number of elderly individuals like Wangchuk rely on government support to meet their basic needs in later life. The Royal Kidu continues to play a critical role in ensuring the welfare of those who lack family support or other means.

MP Dorji Wangmo also raised a question about the government’s plans to establish old age homes, noting that such facilities are common in other countries. In response, the Prime Minister stated that in many foreign countries, old age homes are run by private individuals or organizations, and the cost is generally borne by the family members of the elderly.

For Wangmo, a Bhutanese national currently working in aged care in Perth, supporting the elderly is not just a profession—it’s a deeply rooted calling inspired by her cultural upbringing.
Having worked in aged care for over a year, Wangmo has been involved in various aspects of elder support, including meal assistance, personal care, and emotional companionship. “In
Bhutan, we are taught to deeply respect and care for our elders,” she said. “That value has always stayed with me and continues to guide how I support the elderly with compassion, patience, and dignity.”
At the facility where she works, many residents rely on staff for essential daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and medication management. But for Wangmo, meeting emotional needs is just as important as addressing physical ones.

The aged care centre provides comprehensive services, including three nutritious meals a day, regular medical check-ups, physiotherapy, hygiene assistance, and medication supervision. In addition to this, residents benefit from a wide range of social programs, such as music sessions, games, and group activities designed to foster mental and emotional well-being.

Reflecting on her experience, Wangmo expressed concern about the changing family dynamics back home. “As lifestyles evolve in Bhutan, more elderly people may be left without adequate support,” she said. “Some parents and elders are not truly cared for like before. It would be a good initiative if organizations could introduce culturally sensitive and compassionate aged care services in Bhutan, so that our elders can age with dignity and comfort.” Wangmo’s journey highlights the enduring influence of Bhutanese values and raises an important conversation about the future of elder care in the country.

The Prime Minister clarified that the government currently has no plans to establish similar facilities but welcomed Bhutanese with experience in elderly care abroad to consider starting such ventures as private businesses. He added that the government would be open to discussions with interested individuals but confirmed that there is no government policy for establishing old age homes at this time.

Karma Choden, a Bhutanese currently residing in Canberra, Australia, shared her experience working in an aged care home, where she has been employed for over two years. She said her relatives and friends helped her find the job and that she initially had no knowledge about the work.

The aged care centre where she is employed houses about 200 elderly residents. Caregivers assist residents with daily tasks such as bathing, administering medication, changing clothes and diapers, and providing emotional support.
“We must treat them like our own parents and always be available to provide extra care,” she said. Karma explained that the Australian government partly subsidizes care depending on an individual’s financial status. Elderly residents who are economically disadvantaged receive government support, while wealthier individuals pay their own expenses.
The facility offers a range of services including physiotherapy, physical workout equipment, and temperature-controlled rooms during winter. “Sometimes we have to motivate them to stay strong, both physically and emotionally,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity and privacy for the residents. “They are taken care of in a prim and proper manner, and their privacy is always respected. Confidentiality and dignity are priorities in the care we provide.”

Karma pointed out that establishing a similar facility in Bhutan would be difficult due to the financial investment required. She cited the cost of installing air conditioning, medical equipment, wound dressing supplies, and heating systems. “We always have to be gentle while dealing with them and respect their choices,” she said, underlining that compassion is just as important as physical infrastructure in elderly care.

Kelzang Dorji, a Bhutanese citizen currently living in England, shared his experience working in home-to-home care services over the past six months. He said the job allows him to develop compassion and a sense of purpose by making a difference in the lives of the elderly.

Kelzang said his responsibilities include personal care, medication administration, and food preparation for a small number of clients, since he works in private homes rather than a centralized facility. He noted that these services are not subsidized by the government and that all expenses are covered by the clients themselves.
After gaining insight into the financial demands of such services, Kelzang expressed doubts about the feasibility of establishing similar models in Bhutan. “It would be difficult to imagine setting up such an old age home in Bhutan due to the high costs involved,” he said.