Kerala’s Department Of Senior Citizens’ Welfare: Recognising The Strength Of Our Elders

Kerala Desk, Delhi Magazine: Whenever I think about my life in Kerala, my thoughts return to my parents, Chandrakala Rao and Mohan Rao. One of my cherished memories is visiting the Thalassery sea bridge with my father. The sea, the familiar surroundings of my hometown and the old warehouses of Thalassery remind me of a Kerala that has changed considerably over the years. Such memories make me think about the people who lived, worked and raised their families in an earlier time. When I was younger, I could not fully understand the difficulties faced by my parents and grandparents. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the value of their guidance and the strength with which they faced life’s challenges. Our forefathers lived without many of the educational opportunities, medical facilities and modern conveniences available today. They worked hard to create better possibilities for the next generation. I believe we must listen to their stories and understand the world in which they lived. Their experiences are part of our family history and Kerala’s changing social life. Our elders are our strength, our roots and a living link between our past and our future.

It is with these personal feelings that I welcome Kerala’s decision to establish a separate Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare (Government of Kerala, Departmental Restructuring Order, May 2026). I see this as an opportunity to give elderly welfare a stronger and more coordinated place in public administration. The department can help bring existing services together, identify gaps in support and work with local self-government institutions, healthcare providers and other agencies. Its practical role should include improving access to eligible welfare benefits, promoting independent living, strengthening protection against abuse and neglect, and helping older people obtain assistance without unnecessary difficulty. It should also listen to senior citizens and their families when planning services. The success of the department must be measured by the difference it makes in people’s everyday lives, not merely by announcements or official programmes.

One important initiative is Kerala’s Elder-Friendly Office Certification (EFOC) scheme, launched in September 2026 (Department of Social Justice Guidelines, Sept 2026). It aims to make government offices and other participating institutions more accessible and convenient for older people. The assessment covers building accessibility, service delivery, staff training and conduct, communication, and participation. Requirements include step-free entry, a ground-floor toilet, priority queues and an officer assigned to assist elderly visitors. These facilities can make a significant difference to someone who finds stairs difficult or cannot stand in a queue for a long time. I hope the scheme will be implemented effectively and extended as planned. An older person visiting a government office should receive patient assistance and clear information rather than feel anxious about completing official procedures.

Elder Facilitation Desks at local self-government institutions are another promising initiative announced for implementation from October 1, 2026 (LSGD Circular No. 42/2026). They are intended to help senior citizens access pensions, health insurance, medical assistance and other eligible welfare benefits. They are also expected to assist with online applications, document uploads and digital services. This is particularly important for older people who are unfamiliar with smartphones or who do not have family members nearby to help them. I hope these desks will provide reliable information and a clear point of contact for those who need assistance. Their effectiveness will depend on proper staffing, accessible arrangements and timely responses. What matters most is that an elderly person should not have to make repeated visits or depend on others simply to understand how to obtain an eligible benefit.

Healthcare is another essential part of elderly welfare. Older people may need regular medical check-ups, medicines, rehabilitation, palliative care or support with long-term illnesses. Kerala’s Vayomithram programme already provides healthcare-related assistance to eligible older people in the areas it covers. Better coordination between such existing programmes and the new department could make services easier to access. At the same time, we must remember that well-being involves more than medical treatment. Loneliness can affect older people, particularly those who live alone or have lost a spouse. A telephone call, a visit from a relative or a conversation with a neighbour can bring comfort to someone who feels isolated. Families caring for elderly members may also need practical assistance. Community-based care, trained caregivers and dependable local services can help older people remain safe and supported in familiar surroundings.

A significant legislative development took place on October 26, 2026, when the Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Keralam Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026 (Kerala Legislative Assembly Official Bulletin, Oct 26, 2026). The Bill seeks to establish a stronger framework for protecting senior citizens from abuse, neglect, abandonment and exploitation. Its provisions address the regulation of elderly care centres, caregiver training and protection mechanisms. It also seeks to strengthen access to care, social security, digital services and legal assistance. These measures are important because older people should not lose their rights or independence when they need help. As of October 28, 2026, the Bill had been passed by the Assembly and was awaiting the Governor’s assent; it should not yet be described as an Act in force. Once the necessary legal process is completed, effective implementation, public awareness and accessible complaint mechanisms will be essential to achieving its objectives.

I have always felt that we should give greater recognition to the lives of our grandparents and forefathers. Many worked for years with limited resources, raised children through difficult circumstances and maintained their families without the conveniences available today. Their contributions may not appear in official records, but their influence remains in the lives they helped shape. We should take time to listen when they speak about their younger days, their work, their neighbourhoods and the changes they have witnessed. Their memories can teach us patience, responsibility and respect for the efforts of others. They also preserve valuable knowledge about Kerala’s customs, occupations and community life. Respect should not be limited to greetings or special occasions. It should be reflected in how we listen to older people, include them in family decisions and treat their opinions with consideration. We must not allow the experiences of an entire generation to disappear simply because we are busy with modern life.

Senior citizens should not be viewed only as people who need care. Many retired teachers, farmers, workers, artists and professionals possess valuable knowledge and experience that can benefit society. Those who wish to remain active should have opportunities to guide younger people, participate in community activities and contribute according to their abilities. Others may prefer to spend their time with their families or pursue personal interests, and that choice deserves equal respect. Schools, colleges and local organisations can encourage meaningful interaction between generations. Young people can learn from the experiences of older citizens, while senior citizens can continue to feel connected to their communities. Families facing financial or practical difficulties should also have access to reliable support. Caring for older people is a shared responsibility involving families, neighbours, voluntary organisations, local institutions and the government.

For Kerala’s initiatives to succeed, their benefits must reach those who need them most. Particular attention should be given to senior citizens who live alone, have disabilities, face financial hardship or lack adequate family support. Public offices must become genuinely accessible, facilitation desks must provide useful assistance, and complaints of abuse or neglect must be handled sensitively. Older people also need clear information about available services and protection against financial exploitation and digital fraud. The department should monitor implementation, identify shortcomings and improve services based on feedback from senior citizens themselves. I appreciate the steps Kerala has taken to give elderly welfare greater attention. The real achievement will be seen when an older person receives timely help, a family finds support during a difficult period or someone living alone knows where to turn in an emergency.

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When I remember my parents and the generations before them, I feel that caring for older people is an expression of gratitude and humanity. The people who once guided us through life may eventually need our help with ordinary daily tasks. They deserve patience, understanding and companionship, not indifference. A visit, a telephone call or simply sitting beside an elderly person and listening can mean a great deal. Government programmes are necessary, but compassion begins at home and in our communities. Kerala’s Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare, its elder-friendly service initiatives and the proposed legal protections offer an encouraging opportunity to build a more caring society. Their success will depend on sustained effort, adequate resources and effective implementation. We should never forget the difficulties our forefathers faced or the opportunities they helped create for us. Our elders are our strength, and their wisdom is a gift to future generations. A dignified old age is not a favour granted by society; it is something every human being deserves.