Lonely autumn years: Keralam faces new challenges with an increase in its elderly population

Keralam has recently taken a major step towards elderly care by establishing a dedicated department for senior citizens. | Photo credit: Thulasi Kakkat

Sadia (name changed), domestic worker in Thiruvananthapuramhe took a leave and traveled to a neighboring country Tamil Nadu taking care of his aging mother a few days a week.

She also tried to get her brother to sell their parents’ house, or at least rent it out, so that she wouldn’t have to worry about supporting her mother, who was seriously ill. Half of Sadie’s salary would go towards the cost of medication and other expenses for her mother, who lived with Sadie’s unemployed sister. Their brother, who lives with his wife’s family, was also unable to take care of their mother.

Published – November 6, 2026 06:06 IST