The Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, presents an opportunity to strengthen Keralam’s response to population ageing. The Government of Keralam’s initiative to introduce this first-of-its-kind legislation in the country is a welcome step towards protecting the rights and well-being of senior citizens.

By recognising dignity, independence, safety, participation and access to care, the Bill provides a foundation for moving beyond welfare and towards a comprehensive, entitlements-based approach to ageing.

A central principle of the Bill is ageing in place, enabling older persons to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible, with institutional care as a last resort. This requires supporting families through accessible health care, community-based services, trained caregivers, rehabilitation, and social support. Care must be organised as a continuum, responding to changing needs rather than only during crises.

Equally important is the shift from managing dependence to preventing or delaying avoidable functional decline. The Bill’s provision for standardised care assessments, incorporating intrinsic capacity and functional dependency, is particularly relevant. Linking these assessments with primary and community health care could enable earlier identification of changes in mobility, cognition, sensory function and daily activities, followed by timely interventions that help preserve independence.

The Bill also addresses critical gaps in the care ecosystem through provisions for registration and regulation of care institutions, caregiver training and certification, and minimum standards of service delivery. These measures must be accompanied by appropriate supervision, continuing education, fair working conditions, and support for family caregivers.

The proposed district-level institutional mechanisms offer an opportunity to strengthen accountability, grievance redressal, and coordination. The Bill also introduces penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for specified violations, reinforcing the importance of compliance and protection of senior citizens’ rights.

The effectiveness will depend on clear responsibilities, adequate resources, effective enforcement, and convergence across health, social welfare and local self-government systems.

An age-ready Keralam must be measured not only by the institutions and services established but also by whether older persons can maintain their functional ability, remain connected to their communities and live with dignity, independence, security and purpose.

The next priority is translating legislative provisions into accessible, equitable and quality services, particularly for older persons living alone, those with disabilities or dementia, and those without adequate family support.

Overall, the Bill presents a robust framework for geriatric care. Its efficient implementation can help set an effective precedent that can be replicated nationwide.

(Prof. (Dr.) Sudha Chandrashekar is CEO, Swasti - The Health Catalyst, a not-for-profit global organisation in the field of public health).