Kerala Cabinet Approves Revised Senior Citizens Policy 2026

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Cabinet has approved the revised Kerala State Policy for Senior Citizens (2026), aimed at protecting the welfare and dignity of elderly people across the state. Higher Education and Social Justice Minister Dr R Bindu announced the decision at a press conference.

“The policy seeks to build an elderly-friendly society where no senior citizen is left isolated or neglected. We view ageing not as a period of decline, but as a meaningful phase of life where older persons can continue to contribute, grow and remain actively involved in society,” the Minister said.

She said memory clinics will be set up to address mental health concerns among the elderly and long-term and palliative care services will be expanded. “Affordable access to telemedicine and wearable health monitoring systems will be ensured. We will also improve digital literacy among senior citizens and promote technologies suited to their needs,” Minister added.

Dr Bindu said the government will ensure that social welfare pensions reach all eligible beneficiaries. “Workers in the informal sector will be brought under affordable insurance schemes. Reverse mortgage options will also be introduced to provide financial support to senior citizens. Elderly persons will be given priority in public services, and essential services will be delivered at their doorstep,” she said.

The Minister stated that strict action will be taken against abuse and neglect of senior citizens. “A single-window grievance redressal system will be established along with fast-track mechanisms to deal with such cases. A Centre of Excellence in Gerontology will also be set up to strengthen research and expertise in ageing-related studies,” she said.

Minister further said caregivers of the elderly will receive special training and certification. Internship programmes will be introduced to help pass on the knowledge and experience of senior citizens to younger generations. Special focus will be given to the social inclusion of parents of expatriate Malayalis and elderly migrants. Elder-friendly standards will also be implemented in housing and public transport.

“With this policy, we aim to strengthen Kerala’s social support system and ensure the physical, mental and social well-being of senior citizens in the state,” the Minister said.