Kerala Passes Senior Citizens’ Bill to Address Growing Elderly Population
· India · India Today, The Hindu
The Kerala legislative assembly has unanimously passed the Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill 2026 to address the neglect and exploitation of the state's ageing population. With life expectancy at 75.1 years, projections indicate that elderly residents will comprise 21 per cent of the state's population by 2031. The legislation focuses on promoting a silver economy while attempting to mitigate the social challenges faced by seniors. Despite these legal provisions, concerns remain regarding the welfare of the poorest elderly, particularly those who are abandoned or lack family support. Pathanamthitta district currently reports the highest concentration of elderly residents in the state at 17.9 per cent.
Why it matters
The legislation directly impacts the social security and healthcare access for millions of elderly Keralites, particularly as the state faces a rapid demographic shift that strains existing government resources.
Read the original report — India Today
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