Kerala Cabinet approves India’s first comprehensive elderly care policy

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved a landmark elderly policy, believed to be the first introduced by any Indian state, designed to safeguard the dignity and welfare of older citizens through an inclusive, equality‑driven framework.

The policy comes at a crucial time, with Kerala’s elderly population steadily rising. Currently, 16.5 per cent of the state’s residents are aged 60 and above — the highest proportion in India and the fastest growing. This figure is projected to reach 23 per cent by 2036.

Announcing the decision, State Minister for Social Welfare and Higher Education R Bindu said, ““The policy will strengthen integrated care facilities with the support of local self-governments, health workers and non-governmental organisations.”

Key provisions 

• Lifelong learning programmes and continuous health monitoring systems.
• Insurance coverage for elderly workers in the unorganised sector.
• Establishment of social care centres and training for caregivers, especially for those supporting people with age‑related conditions.
• Mandatory elderly‑friendly facilities in homes and public buildings.
• Stronger laws to protect older citizens from abuse and neglect.
• Digital literacy initiatives, technology training sessions and internship opportunities for the elderly.
• Utilisation of senior citizens’ expertise to enhance their social and financial security.

Further, the Minister stated, “The policy also promises to bring elderly care into the mainstream of administration and policy-making. It further aims to locally incorporate global role model programmes. We will also initiate studies in geriatrics and provide training in caregiving for age-related special conditions," the Minister added. She emphasised that ageing should be seen not as a stage of decline but as a phase of continued growth, contribution and self‑realisation.

“The policy will further ensure long-term, affordable treatment plans or care programmes for the elderly in the state. Additional projects to promote their inclusion in society and to ensure their health and financial security will also be introduced," R Bindu added.

Kerala’s extensive pain and palliative care network will be integrated into the new framework, ensuring affordable long‑term treatment plans and inclusion programmes to strengthen health and financial security for the elderly.