In Thiruvananthapuram, Krishnamma, an 81-year-old, sees the April 9 Kerala Assembly elections as a crucial issue. When party workers visited her modest home in Vithura to seek her vote, she wanted to discuss her pension payments, not political rivalries.
For thousands like her, the election is about more than just politics; it's about survival, dignity, and ensuring care in their later years.
Kerala, often celebrated for its human development indicators, is experiencing a demographic shift, with its aging population currently at 16.5%, the highest in the country. Senior citizens form a significant and influential voting bloc.
The needs of the elderly are different from those of younger voters. They want consistent monthly pension payments, access to medical facilities, and ways to combat loneliness.
As the LDF, UDF, and NDA make promises tailored to this segment, Kerala's elderly are weighing the offerings and who can deliver consistently and with compassion.
Suresh, a 70-year-old retired worker, told
Beyond economic and medical concerns, social isolation is a major crisis for Kerala's elderly, especially those living alone.
Susheela, a retired government employee, wants a scheme to ensure the safety and security of parents who live alone while their children work abroad.
"We are living alone at home because our children are working in two foreign countries. If we have a medical emergency at night, what will we do?" she asked