Not just welfare for elderly, Keralam needs silver economy

Kerala faces a rapidly ageing population, with people aged 60 and above comprising nearly a quarter of the state's residents by 2051. While this demographic shift is a testament to improved life expectancy, it poses significant challenges in ensuring financial stability, adequate care, and meaningful engagement for older individuals.

The Keralam Senior Citizens’ Bill, 2026, recently passed by the state Assembly, aims to address these concerns by enacting regulations for care facilities, safeguarding against abuse, and promoting home-based care, accessible public spaces, and digital inclusion for senior citizens. Crucially, the Bill acknowledges the potential for older individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to the emerging silver economy, which encompasses goods and services tailored to meet the needs of an aging populace.

This includes home healthcare, accessible housing, assistive technologies, and lifelong learning opportunities. To effectively implement the Bill, Kerala must move beyond traditional welfare frameworks and foster a comprehensive silver economy that values intergenerational solidarity and provides dignified employment prospects for younger workers.

The state should establish a senior citizens' sub-plan, allocating dedicated resources and responsibilities to local governments for monitoring and evaluating the impact of these initiatives.