Cambodia’s Elderly Struggle as Family Support Declines

UNDP
 

Cambodia’s ageing population is facing growing hardship as traditional family structures shift, leaving many elderly citizens without the care and support they once relied upon. With younger generations increasingly migrating for work, the joint family system—where multiple generations live together—is weakening, exposing older Cambodians to financial, medical and social vulnerability.

Experts warn that without urgent government intervention, the country’s elders risk being left behind. Tum Vira, Executive Director of HelpAge International Cambodia, told Kiripost that many elderly people were displaced during the Cambodia-Thailand conflict and now find themselves without the family safety net they once depended on.

“In the past, older people relied on their children. Now, many must fend for themselves,” Vira said, noting that some receive support from NGOs and community groups, but this is far from sufficient. He stressed the importance of equipping the elderly with skills for independence and raising awareness about the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Pa Chanroeun, President of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, echoed these concerns, observing a marked decline in multi-generational households over the past two decades. “When family members live far away, older relatives face serious challenges,” he said.

Access to healthcare remains a major obstacle. Vira highlighted that many elderly people are hesitant to seek medical help due to cost concerns and a lack of nearby facilities. “They fear they won’t have enough money for treatment,” he said, adding that shortages of medication and age discrimination at clinics compound the problem.

The National Ageing Policy 2017–2030 identifies older women as particularly vulnerable, with many lacking spousal support. It calls for improved geriatric care, better awareness of entitlements, and stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Currently, 1,646 elderly associations serve around 260,000 members nationwide. But advocates say this is not enough. “We must act now,” Vira urged. “If we wait another decade, many of today’s elderly may never benefit from the support they need.”

As Cambodia’s demographic landscape evolves, the challenge is clear: ensuring that its elders are not forgotten in the march towards modernity.

-2025-10-01