Kerala is preparing a comprehensive law aimed at improving the care, welfare, dignity and protection of senior citizens, as the state faces one of India’s most significant demographic shifts. The proposed Keralam State Elderly Persons (Care and Protection) Bill, 2026 is being drafted to create a more structured system for elderly care and support.
The move comes as Kerala’s elderly population continues to grow. The state’s Vision 2031 document says people aged 60 and above already account for a significantly larger share of Kerala’s population than the national average, with projections indicating that more than one-fifth of the state’s population could be elderly by 2031.
What Is the Proposed Law?
The proposed legislation is intended to establish a senior-citizen-friendly care system that addresses healthcare, safety, caregiving and social protection.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan recently reviewed the draft Bill and directed officials to speed up the procedures associated with the legislation. The proposal is designed around the state’s changing demographic structure and the increasing demand for elderly-care services.
Focus on Home and Community-Based Ageing
One of the key objectives is to help older people remain in their own homes and family or community environments for as long as possible, while ensuring access to safe and quality care when required.
The proposed framework would cover services including elder-care centres, assisted-living facilities, day-care homes and home-care agencies. Quality standards and responsibilities for these providers are expected to be clearly defined.
Professionalising Elderly Care
The Bill also proposes a Keralam Geriatric Care Certification Framework. Caregivers could receive formal training and certification and would be subject to background checks.
A state-level register of trained caregivers is also proposed. The government expects this approach to improve the quality of care while creating opportunities for people seeking employment in the growing elderly-care sector.
Financial and Digital Security
The proposed framework also addresses the digital and financial security of senior citizens, along with grievance-redressal mechanisms at state and district levels.
This is particularly relevant as elderly people increasingly use digital banking, online services and technology for healthcare and communication.
A Growing “Silver Economy”
Kerala is also looking at ageing as an emerging economic sector. The proposed policy encourages investment and innovation in healthcare, assisted living, home care, elderly-friendly technology and products.
The state already has a Kerala State Elderly Commission under the Kerala State Elderly Commission Act, 2025, which provides a statutory mechanism for welfare and protection of elderly people.
The proposed 2026 legislation would therefore add another layer to Kerala’s broader effort to prepare for an ageing population, with the emphasis shifting toward dignity, professional care, independent ageing and stronger protection systems