Kerala govt’s decision to set up dedicated Senior Citizens’ Welfare department hailed as timely
The Kerala government's establishment of a dedicated Senior Citizens’ Welfare department has been recognized as a timely initiative in response to the state's rapidly aging population. With 18.7% of residents already over 60, this figure is projected to exceed 22% by 2036. The new department aims to consolidate various elderly care initiatives and address the specific needs of older citizens, particularly in light of the high burden of non-communicable diseases in the region.
- ▪Kerala's population over 60 years old is projected to rise to over 22% by 2036.
- ▪The state has the highest prevalence of non-communicable diseases in India, with significant rates of diabetes and hypertension among the elderly.
- ▪A dedicated Senior Citizens’ Welfare department aims to unify fragmented elderly care initiatives across various government sectors.
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The decision taken at the first Cabinet meeting of the new UDF government in Kerala to set up a separate Department for Senior Citizens’ Welfare has been hailed as timely – if not overdue – for a State where 18.7% of the population is already above 60 years, compared to the national average of around 11-12%.Kerala is ageing faster than any other State and by 2036, the figure is projected to cross 22%. Kerala issues G.O. to set up dedicated department for elderly welfareThe outgoing LDF government had already acknowledged this – the 2026-27 State Budget placed strong emphasis on the care economy and the silver economy.
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