Ensuring Dignity in Old Age; Kerala Presents Separate Elderly Budget

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has become the first state in India to present a separate ‘Elderly Budget’ alongside its annual state budget, underscoring the government’s commitment to senior citizens. With senior citizens now comprising 18.7 per cent of the population, Kerala is witnessing a significant demographic shift, marked by a rising elderly population and a declining youth population. Recognising this, the state government has prioritised geriatric care and welfare, having already established the country’s first Elderly Commission. The budget also emphasises the development of a ‘Care Economy’ and a ‘Silver Economy’ to address the needs of older residents.

The budget allocates 30 crore for retirement homes equipped with community kitchens, healthcare facilities, playgrounds, entertainment options, and health volunteers. A further 10 crores has been set aside for a volunteer support scheme for elderly individuals living alone, while 50 crores is earmarked for a pneumococcal vaccination drive targeting those aged 60 and above from BPL families.

In addition, 5 crore will support Pain and Palliative Elderly Health Care Centres. Financial assistance to attendants of bedridden or severely physically and intellectually challenged elderly individuals has been increased from 600 to 1,000 rupees, and the ‘Aswasakiranam’ project will receive an enhanced allocation of 100 crores. The Vayomithram scheme, offering mobile medical clinics, palliative home care, ambulance services, and counselling, will receive 27.50 crores, while the Vayojana Commission, responsible for senior citizens’ welfare, protection, and rehabilitation, is allocated 50 lakhs.

Kerala plans to establish retirement homes for elderly individuals who are isolated at home, ensuring comprehensive facilities including healthcare, recreation, and volunteer support. Local Self Government Institutions will operate volunteer networks, providing on-call assistance and medical help through published helpline numbers.

The Vayomithram scheme will continue to serve as a lifeline for senior citizens, bridging gaps in services such as the ‘Vathilpadi Sevanam’ scheme, while the pneumococcal vaccination programme aims to protect elderly individuals, particularly those with chronic ailments, from life-threatening infections.