Brainstorming Session Explores Challenges of Ageing Population in Kerala

A brainstorming session on “Human Development and the Demographic Transition in Kerala: Now to a World of Aging Population?” was organized by the Inter University Centre for Social Science Research and Extension (IUCSSRE), Mahatma Gandhi University, on Friday. The session was led by Prof. Joseph Tharamangalam, Professor Emeritus at Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada, and focused on the critical challenges arising from Kerala’s demographic transition—marked by high life expectancy and below-replacement fertility rates.

Prof. Tharamangalam highlighted the paradox of Kerala’s human development success: while the state matches European standards in Human Development Index (HDI), its ageing population faces pressing concerns, particularly in terms of care, health security, and social support mechanisms. The discussion emphasized the compounded challenges of outmigration, shrinking family structures, and the declining reach of social security measures, especially affecting elderly women.

“Kerala’s ageing population presents both a social and policy challenge. While the state has achieved remarkable progress in human development, it must now confront the realities of an ageing society—where the need for a sustainable care economy is more urgent than ever,” noted Prof. Tharamangalam. He further observed that state intervention and community-based care models must work in tandem to ensure dignity and well-being for the elderly.

Quoting from his earlier research, he pointed out: “Kerala’s demographic shift is happening in a society where traditional family support systems are weakening, and public institutional support is yet to fully develop. The increasing feminization of ageing further complicates the picture, as elderly women are often more vulnerable to economic and social insecurities.”

The session stressed the need for a balanced approach, integrating state policies with civil society initiatives to build a robust support system for the elderly. The discussion also addressed the potential role of community-based elder care models and social protection policies in mitigating the effects of rapid demographic change.

Notable speakers included Dr. Jos Chathukulam, Director, Centre for Rural Management (CRM); Dr. V. Mathew Kurian, Joint Director, KN Raj School of Economics; Dr. Muraleedharan; Dr. P.P. Noushad, Director, School of Gandhian Thought and Development Studies (SGTDS); Fr. Dr. K.M. George, Mar Gregorios Chair Professor, Nithu Nair, Prof Sanal Mohan, Prof Joseph,  Prof. K.M. Seethi, Director, IUCSSRE. among others.

The session called for a strong consensus on the need for a comprehensive ageing policy that integrates healthcare, social security, and elder-friendly infrastructure to address the evolving demographic realities in Kerala.