Kerala is called “God Own Country”, no wonder it has 31% of India’s Senior Citizen Homes.

As per my calculations, Kerala has 754 care homes for seniors spread over 14 districts with a combined bed capacity of 38,000. 

India has approximately 757 districts with approximately 2,300 assisted living / care homes with a combined bed capacity of 1,21,000. This means 1.7% of the districts of Kerala has 31% of the country’s Senior Citizen Homes.

The larger point of debate being, is Kerala much more advanced than the rest of the country or it is due to the younger generation who have migrated outside India for job, leaving behind their old parents.

Does education play an important part in the willingness of Seniors to relocate to a Assisted Living Facility or it is out of necessity.

I guess the policy makers and planners in India need to take a cue from Kerala on how to develop a robust Senior Living sector. 

(The document can be downloaded here)

Pankaj Mehrotra