Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan emphasized that protecting senior citizens must evolve into an integral part of social culture. Stating that the government alone cannot achieve this without NGO and community support, the Chief Minister warned of severe legal action, including prosecution, against those who abandon or displace their elderly parents. He was speaking at the signing ceremony of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) held at the Chief Minister’s Conference Hall.
The newly formed Department of Senior Citizens signed MoUs with 12 prominent state and national institutions to foster academic, research, technological, and institutional cooperation in elderly care.
Key Initiatives Announced:
- Comprehensive Local Data Collection: Panchayats will collect detailed, periodically updated data on senior citizens requiring care, covering their mental health status and medical conditions to structure targeted welfare schemes.
- Standardized Caregiver Course: A 1-year practical caregiver curriculum—positioned right below nursing qualifications—is being developed by studying syllabus models from Germany, the UK, and Australia tailored to Kerala’s needs.
- Student Volunteer Corps: A volunteer corps comprising Plus Two students will be formed to visit elderly individuals, help alleviate their loneliness, and improve their quality of life.
- Promoting the Silver Economy: The experience and expertise of retired professionals will be systematically channeled to mentor emerging startups and industrial ventures.
Focus Areas & Partner Institutions:
The department’s activities revolve around five core thematic pillars: active & healthy aging, community-based care, silver & care economy, evidence-based policy research, and universal social security rights.
The 12 partner organizations include IMHANS, Dementia India Alliance, Public Health & Social Development Foundation, Health Action by People, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, KAPSW, Loyola College of Social Sciences, Swasthi The Health Catalyst, CMD, CSES, Bharata Mata Extension for Organic Research & Environment, and NUALS.
Secretary Dr. Rathan U. Kelkar and Director Dr. Arun S. Nair participated in the follow-up meeting with institutional representatives at the Secretariat. Established on May 19, 2026, the Department of Senior Citizens is the first dedicated department of its kind in India.
