In Kerala, state facing rapidly ageing population, government has launched first-of-its-kind department for elderly welfare in India. Move aims to tackle rising number of seniors living alone,situation worsened by migration for work and education.
Seventy-year-old TO Dominic and wife MJ Martha are part of this trend. Their two sons left for better jobs abroad,leaving couple to manage twilight years mostly alone. "We depend entirely on our neighbours," Dominic said, reflecting on silence now filling home once lively with family noise . Martha added loneliness is now common in their lives.
Kerala has highest proportion of elderly among Indian states . By 2036,nearly 23% of its people will be over 60. Improved healthcare,longer life,declining birth rates,plus major outflow of younger folks seeking jobs abroad all play role.
Dr. Rathan Kelkar,head of new elderly welfare department, stressed need for coordinated support for ageing population. Department focuses on "ageing in place," keeping seniors in homes and communities instead of care facilities. Plans include boosting community care,"social prescribing" to link seniors with activities, caregiver training program.
But challenges persist. Many elderly, like Dominic and Martha,face isolation. Emotional toll of separation from children abroad is huge. One expatriate, whose parents live alone in Kerala, expressed frustration over inability to provide physical support during emergencies,despite sending money.
Dr. Prasun Chatterjee,geriatrics specialist,noted loneliness and isolation are big issues for his patients, who often live alone after losing spouses or as kids move away . He calls for broader support network,including healthcare and community spaces,to help seniors stay connected.
Kerala's government allocated 100 million rupees ($1.05 million) for elderly welfare this year,some critics say it's not enough. Kelkar insists funding aims to enhance coordination,support pilot projects, seeing ageing as long-term priority.
Experts say while government's steps are progress, they need regulated senior care market. Srinivasan Govindaraj,CEO of Athulya Seniorcare, highlighted need for uniform standards in senior living facilities,as many small providers lack regulation.
For 82-year-old MSR Dev, challenge is keeping community ties. He thinks Kerala could learn from Sweden,where strong support helps seniors stay active . "Communication is essential," he said, stressing need for interaction beyond basics.
As state embarks on ambitious plan,question is whether it can truly support its elderly,many separated from families by vast distances. For Dominic and Martha,hope is simple: someone nearby to call when they need help. Whether new department can bridge gap…
