The silver solvers

Kerala is attempting to tackle the fallout of a very southern trend: A growing elderly population. Others may want to take note

- SHINE JACOB

Kerala is often dubbed as the ‘Japan of India’, thanks to shared characteristics like low fertility rates, high life expectancy, an ageing population, high literacy, and strong public health outcomes.

As Kerala grows old, the southern state is attempting a social redesign based on the Japanese model.

In May, just two days after it took charge, the new Congress-led government established India’s first dedicated Elderly Welfare Department, modelled on Japan’s long-term care system, including its Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) programme.

It also established a quasi-judicial Senior Citizens Commission meant to protect the rights and welfare of elderly people, with 20.7 per cent of the population above 60 years, compared with a national average of 12.9 per cent.

‘This is not just a Kerala phenomenon — the entire southern region, which leads the country in many development indicators, may well be witnessing a rapid rise of the silver generation. Across the world, health and education are strongly associated with people living longer and healthier productive lives.

According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the proportion of the elderly (defined as over 60 for both men and women) is 16.3 percent in Tamil Nadu, 14.6 per cent in Karnataka, 14.1 per cent in Telangana and 13.9 percent in Andhra Pradesh. It is 14.4 per cent in Maharashtra and 17.2 per cent in nearby Goa — two other relatively developed states.

“Kerala is entering a phase where ageing has become a major governance issue involving dignity, healthcare, mobility, safety, and social justice,” said Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan, launching the department. According to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report, the state may see 22 per cent of its population above 60 years by 2036.