Understanding the situation of elderly citizens in Bhutan

As part of our Socio-Economic Analysis and Research Division's (SEARD) annual thematic studies, our research staff has made a tremendous effort to investigate the situation of elderly citizens in the country. I am very pleased to introduce this research, which I suppose is one of its first kinds if not the very first one. With our country's population set to the process of ageing, it is crucial that we understand the changes happening in the lives of elderly citizens so that we can better respond to and address the problems of elderly people or get prepared to face the social and economic consequences of the ageing population in future. A study of this nature is expected to provide an understanding of the predicaments that some of our elderly people face and advocate for policy responses. At the least, this study is expected to provide baseline information or groundwork for more specific and rigorous future research or provoke positive debate among public on various social issues emerging among the older populace.