Kerala Grapples with Dual Challenge: High Elderly Dependency Amidst Youth Employment Struggles

Kerala, a state renowned for its high human development indicators, faces a significant demographic paradox: a favorable environment for its elderly population contrasted with persistent challenges for its working-age citizens. A recent social media post succinctly captured this sentiment, stating, > "Kerala is one of the world’s best cost adjusted place to die, the hard part is to how to make it a better place to live throughout your working age." This observation highlights the state's advanced social security and healthcare for seniors, alongside economic hurdles impacting its younger demographic.

The state is undergoing a profound demographic shift, characterized by a rapidly aging population and declining fertility rates. Data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 indicates that 14.4 percent of Kerala's population is aged 60 or above, the highest proportion in India. This "grey wave" is a result of sustained declines in birth rates and increased life expectancy, leading to a shrinking proportion of youth and a growing elderly dependency.

Despite high literacy and educational attainment, Kerala continues to report some of the highest unemployment rates in the country, particularly among its youth and educated women. The unemployment rate for individuals aged 15-29 stands at 28.7%, significantly higher than the national average. This lack of formal job creation, especially in manufacturing, compels a substantial portion of the working-age population, particularly the youth, to migrate out of the state in search of better opportunities.

The rising dependency ratio, where a smaller working-age population supports a larger number of dependents (both young and old), poses considerable economic strain. Experts warn that this trend could impact economic growth, placing an increased burden on the shrinking workforce to support social welfare programs and healthcare for the elderly. While Kerala has implemented initiatives like the Senior Citizens Commission and proposed policies for elder persons, addressing the employment crisis for its youth remains a critical challenge for sustained economic vitality.