Amid growing loneliness and social isolation among the elderly, driven by changing family structures and rising migration, more than 200 senior citizens came together for a picnic at Tsaluna in Thimphu. The gathering offered a chance to reconnect, not only with each other but also with the younger generation. Over shared meals and laughter, they found joy in companionship and renewed bonds.
It’s a Saturday afternoon filled with warm smiles, cheerful chatter, and the simple joy of being together. For many senior citizens, this picnic means far more than just a day out.
77-year-old Nim Dorji from Thimphu shares the story of raising four children, each well-educated and successful. His sons now live in Thimphu, Australia, and Sri Lanka, while his daughter, who studied in India, has stayed back to care for him.
However, like many of his generation, Nim Dorji experiences the quieter side of success, the long stretches of time spent apart.
The family reunites only during annual religious gatherings, and much of the year passes with just brief phone calls and memories to hold onto.
Nim Dorji said, “I am sure children do not make their parents work at this age even in the village. So we have nothing to do and spend our days doing the same thing every day. I am assuming this is why elderlies get into depression.”
It’s a familiar reality for many elderly people attending the picnic.
Bemo, who stays with her sister’s family, said, “I have knee problem and also have diabetes. I always chant prayers. I want to go out on pilgrimage, but I do not have a vehicle or money. I want to go when others go. I am very bored, but today felt like heaven.”
“Today, I’m very happy. We’re all gathered here like siblings,” said Drao, whose children are all residing abroad.
According to the United Nations Population Fund, the country’s population aged 65 and over is projected to double, rising from 50,000 in 2022 to nearly 120,000 in 2047.
The Royal Society for Senior Citizens said social disconnection is a growing concern, and such events are crucial for the elderly.
The CSO said many senior citizens face challenges, including health issues, lack of caregivers, limited inclusive infrastructure, and economic disadvantage.
“Many senior citizens face mental health challenges. Even when they have caregivers, those individuals are often overwhelmed with their own responsibilities and livelihoods. Gatherings like this offer a rare but important opportunity for connection,” said Tshering Namgay, the executive director of the Royal Society for Senior Citizens.
The event, funded by the SWISS Red Cross Society, is aimed to foster intergenerational connection. This is also the second such picnic after the first one in Samtse.
“We plan to include this activity in our national annual plan under the community service initiative. Youth volunteers will engage at the community level and support senior citizens through home-based services, such as cooking and companionship,” said Karma Dendup, a health officer at the Bhutan Red Cross Society.
“These events are vital. They allow us to learn from our elders while also sharing knowledge about modern technology and what’s happening in the world,” said Thinley Choden, Red Cross Youth Coordinator at Royal Thimphu College.
“Through these interactions, we learned a lot about various cultures and traditional activities such as folk dances, storytelling, and songs. What we’ve truly taken away is the importance of spending more time with our grandparents,” said Tshencho Dawa, another Red Cross Youth Coordinator at Royal Thimphu College.
Behind the smiles, laughter, and shared meals is a deeper truth that many senior citizens are battling loneliness, isolation, and depression.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
