Kerala issues order forming a separate Department of Senior Citizens, with age-friendly office certification and a dementia-friendly programme

1 October 2026

On International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2026, the Government of Kerala published a note on a new direction for senior citizen welfare. An order has been issued forming a Department of Senior Citizens, separated from the Social Justice Department. The note says Kerala is the first state in India to form a Senior Citizens Commission; a chairperson and four members have been appointed under the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Act (2025), and the commission's work includes implementing the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. A first-in-India 'Age-Friendly Office Certification' scheme has begun, under which offices are to receive Gold, Silver or Bronze status after assessment. A six-month Care Giver Certificate Course through nursing colleges and selected hospitals and a 'Dementia-Friendly Kerala' programme are also mentioned.