Bhutan, a country steeped in traditions has a healthy attitude towards its elderly and they
are treated with love, care and concern. The longevity is increased with the help of health
services being expanded to the nook and corner of the country. It was only recently that
the first old age home has been opened at Radhi Gewog (Block) in Trashigang
Dzongkhag, opening itself to a debate whether these should be a part of a Buddhist
country or not. But, the growing ageing population of Bhutan along with the
modernization process initiated by the fourth king His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck
has opened the society to the questions unheard till now. The urban migration is
dismantling the joint family system, making it inevitable for both partners to work,
therefore leaving no time to devote in the care of either elderly or children. Hence, the
imperativeness for the establishment of the old age homes as well as the child care
centres. With opening its door to modernization, Bhutan has to grapple with the strong
winds of changes that come along with it. The question arises whether Bhutan’s Gross
National Happiness philosophy with preservation of culture as one of its four pillars will
be able to retain the assurance of love and security within the family and society. This
paper will delve into the effects of modernisation on the lives of the elderly, the concern
of the society and the efforts of the government to keep the traditional mantle of the
nation intact.