Towards an age-ready Keralam: translating rights into care

Dr. Sudha Chandrashekar, CEO, Swasti - The Health Catalyst | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, presents an opportunity to strengthen Keralam’s response to population ageing. The Government of Keralam’s initiative to introduce this first-of-its-kind legislation in the country is a welcome step towards protecting the rights and well-being of senior citizens.

By recognising dignity, independence, safety, participation and access to care, the Bill provides a foundation for moving beyond welfare and towards a comprehensive, entitlements-based approach to ageing.

Central principle

A central principle of the Bill is ageing in place, enabling older persons to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible, with institutional care as a last resort. This requires supporting families through accessible health care, community-based services, trained caregivers, rehabilitation, and social support. Care must be organised as a continuum, responding to changing needs rather than only during crises.