Kerala to bring a comprehensive law making senior-citizen care a legal right, with a Governing Council chaired by the Chief Minister
1 October 2026
Inaugurating the State-level International Day of Older Persons event at Ayyankali Hall, Thiruvananthapuram, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said a comprehensive law will be introduced in the Assembly to secure senior-citizen care as a legal right.
He noted that Kerala is the first State in the country to form a separate department for senior citizens, and cited a study projecting about 38 per cent of the population as senior citizens by 2036.
A Governing Council chaired by the Chief Minister, an expert technical advisory committee, a directorate and district-level Senior Citizens Cells will be set up.
A digital registry from a State-wide survey, a Vulnerability Registry, a 24-hour helpline, a Dementia-Friendly Kerala project and caregiver courses in medical institutions from the next academic year were also announced.
Retired experts will serve as Techno Mentors in startups and MSMEs under the 'silver economy' approach.
In plain words
Silver economy — An approach that treats older people's experience and spending as an economic resource.
Vulnerability Registry — A planned list of older people who need special attention and care.