ELDERLY POPULATION OF KERALA

The phenomenon of ageing in Kerala presents a unique demographic transition characterized by a steadily increasing elderly population. With improvements in healthcare, lower fertility rates, and longer life expectancy, the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above has been rising consistently, outpacing national trends. By 2001, the elderly constituted 10.5% of Kerala’s population compared to the national average of 7.5%, and this figure grew to 12.6% by 2011. Currently, an estimated 4.8 million people in Kerala are over 60 years of age. This demographic shift is accompanied by significant social transformations, including changes in family structures, community roles, and the status of elderly individuals, particularly elderly women, many of whom are widows. The study highlights the implications of this ageing trend for social policy, healthcare, and community support systems in Kerala.