Kerala witnessing a demographic transition

Population of the elderly in State touches nearly 20% of total

Calls for protecting and promoting the rights of elderly persons have been growing with their numbers touching nearly 20% of the population in the State. In fact, Kerala is ageing faster than the rest of the country with regard to demographic transition. The proportion of senior citizens (60 years and above) is expected to increase from 13% (2011 Census) to 23% by 2036. Almost every fifth individual in the State is expected to be a senior citizen by then, S. Irudaya Rajan, Chairman, International Institute of Migration and Development, Kerala, told The Hindu. Declining fertility and increasing longevity have been contributing to the demographic shifts in the State. “Thus the issues surrounding the ageing population require long-term planning,” Dr. Rajan said.