THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Interventions to reduce social isolation, creation of internship avenues, inclusive recreational spaces, and a single-window system for grievance redressal are among the key features of a revamped policy for elderly persons the state has brought out.

The Kerala State Policy for Elderly Persons, 2026, drawn up to ensure inclusion and equality of the elderly, received the cabinet’s approval on Wednesday, said Social Justice Minister R Bindu.

“The revised policy will promote active and healthy ageing and ensure the social and mental well-being of the elderly in the state,” Bindu told reporters here.

The policy assumes significance as persons above 60 years constituted 16.5% of the state’s total population in 2021, the highest in the country. As per a recent report by the RBI, the rate of elderly population is expected to rise to nearly 19% this year and touch 22.8% by 2036.

The revised policy comes close on the heels of Kerala becoming the first Indian state to introduce a specialised ‘Elderly Budget’ this year. In March 2025, Kerala became the first state in the country to establish a Senior Citizens Commission to protect the rights, health, and welfare of the elderly.

Other proposals in the policy include setting up fast-track legal systems for the elderly and a centre of excellence for gerontology - a multidisciplinary scientific study on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of ageing and older adults.

The policy calls for providing internship opportunities for skilled senior citizens. The proposal comes in the wake of a recent RBI report that said Kerala will see a major decline in the share of working-age population by 2036. 

Policy calls for ensuring equality of services

Digital inclusion of the elderly, promoting the concept of life-long learning and encouraging their digital awareness also form part of the policy.

“Apart from addressing the specific needs of elderly women, the policy calls for ensuring equality of services to all sections of the elderly,” Bindu said.

Conservation of traditional knowledge — considered the forte of the elderly — and its dissemination to the younger generation also figure among the proposals.

The recommendations in the policy include strengthening the existing care systems for the elderly, besides training and certification to those who look after them. Guidelines will be formulated for care homes that will also be subjected to periodic social checks.

Integration of various treatment modules for senior citizens, ensuring access to social welfare pension and priority for the elderly in general services have also been laid down.

The policy calls for boosting physical fitness and immunity among the elderly and strengthening the existing medical services available to them.

Widening the scope of long-term palliative care services and encouraging studies in geriatric care have also been recommended.