Elderly Development Document (Draft)-2025-26
Old age is a natural stage in the life cycle of human beings. As people age, they experience various physical and psychological changes. The likelihood of developing various illnesses and sustaining injuries also increases with advancing age. However, a good quality of life can be maintained through a healthy lifestyle.
In Kerala, the proportion of senior citizens in the population increased from 5.83% in 1961 to 8.2% in 1991, 12.83% in 2011, and 16.5% in 2023. Thus, the elderly population has been increasing steadily. Improvements in public health services and better living conditions have contributed to this trend.
No social progress is possible without giving due consideration to the problems and living conditions faced by older persons. A development approach is required in which the problems, needs, and rights of senior citizens are taken into account in all activities of the Grama Panchayat. The National Policy on Older Persons, 1999, and the Elderly Policy announced by the State Government in 2006 emphasize the protection of the interests of persons aged 60 and above.
The Draft Elderly Development Document has been formulated based on the recognition that each age group has different needs and challenges, and that these must be addressed through appropriate development interventions.
