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On care for elderly, Keralam sets an example

In India, more than a fifth of the population is expected to be over 60 by 2050. Lessons from the state, therefore, could inform policy well beyond it

Lessons from the state, therefore, could inform policy well beyond it. Keralam’s experiment will be closely watched.

3 min read Oct 29, 2026 06:10 AM IST First published on: Oct 29, 2026 at 06:10 AM IST

The Keralam Assembly’s passage of the Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, is a notable step towards upholding the dignity of the elderly. The legislation lays down rights to affordable care, legal aid, digital inclusion and safe public spaces. It also seeks to regulate old-age homes and home-care services, train caregivers and establish state- and district-level protection units.…