Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection) Bill to focus on protection of rights, dignity of elderly

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The Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection) Bill, 2026, that will be tabled in the Assembly on Tuesday aims at promoting healthy and active ageing, registration and regulation of senior citizen care centres, capacity-building for family and caregivers, and protection of rights, dignity, and social security of the elderly.

The Bill underscores the principles of right to dignity, ageing in place and home-based care, safety and social care ecosystem, and senior citizens’ participation in policy making. Thrust is also given to rights such as access care, safe public spaces, digital inclusion, legal aid, reporting of abuse, and access to dignity-preserving products.

The Bill points out that the population of the elderly has been increasing in Keralam. However, modernisation and globalisation had paved the way for nuclear families, adversely affecting the living conditions of the elderly. In order to accommodate their needs, various systems need to be put in place and long-term forward planning is required.