Kerala: The Indian State Trying to Make Sure No One Grows Old Alone

In the southern Indian state of Kerala, many older people are being left behind as their children move away to find work. TO Dominic, age 70, talks to his sons on the phone most mornings — but one son lives in another state, and the other lives in the Middle East. When Dominic and his wife Martha need real help at home, their sons are too far away to provide it. Kerala's state government has noticed this growing problem and is now taking action to support its elderly residents.

Dominic and Martha's situation is not unusual in Kerala. For a long time, older people in India lived with their children, who took care of them as they aged. But as more young people leave home to study or find better jobs, that tradition has slowly faded. Kerala is aging faster than any other state in India, which means this problem is especially urgent there.

"We depend entirely on our neighbours," Dominic says, sitting in a house that once echoed with the voices of children. "Our children visit very rarely and we don't have relatives nearby to assist us. Things are becoming increasingly difficult." His wife Martha agrees, saying that loneliness has become a regular part of growing old for many people like them. Their story is shared by a growing number of families across the state.

Last month, Kerala's state government announced a brand-new department focused entirely on the welfare of elderly people. Officials say it is the first department of its kind in all of India. Its goal is to tackle the many challenges that come with an aging population. The head of the new department, Dr. Rathan Kelkar, says the main idea is something called "ageing in place," which means helping older people stay in their own homes and communities rather than moving into care facilities.

The new department has several plans to make life better for senior citizens. It will expand home-based and community care services, so that helpers can come directly to where older people live. It also plans to connect elderly residents with social activities — such as clubs or events — to help fight loneliness. The state will train and certify professional caregivers, and will build special parks, day-care centers, and fitness spaces designed for older adults.

A survey of all senior citizens in the state will help leaders create a long-term plan called the Silver Economy roadmap. Dr. Kelkar says that caring for older people is about much more than just health. "Ageing is no longer just a welfare issue," he says. "It cuts across healthcare, housing, transport, local governance, technology, employment, safety, financial services and community life." Kerala hopes its new approach can serve as a model for the rest of India as the country's population continues to age.