Homes for elderly on the rise in fast-ageing Kerala

KOCHI: As in many social indices, Kerala tops the list of states ageing faster according to latest studies and the effect is being felt in the rise in number of old age homes in the state.

- AM Abdussalam

In less than a decade, the occupancy in care homes rose by 67.27 percent in Kerala, according to data from the Directorate of Social Justice.

The number of inmates in care homes increased from 19,149 in 2016-17 to 32,032 in 2023-24.

The figures have been furnished in the Economic Review - 2024 while analysing the changing democratic profile of the state.

Sending aged parents to old age homes is no long a taboo, but an option for the young children who are often away with their work.

Parents also find it acceptable and engaging as they are in the midst of ‘fellow travellers’ sharing the twilight days and trying to lead a meaningful life.