Kerala has become the first Indian state to table a dedicated Elderly Budget, earmarking ₹46,236.52 crore for senior citizens in the 2026–27 financial year. Focus on ‘Silver Economy’ amid rapid demographic shiftThe budget places strong emphasis on the "Silver Economy" and "Care Economy", responding to Kerala’s accelerating demographic transition. Expanded geriatric healthcare and mental health supportHealthcare emerges as a central pillar of the Elderly Budget, with targeted spending across preventive, curative and rehabilitative services. The budget also provides for a Centre for Geriatric Mental Health and Cognitive Rehabilitation at IMHANS, addressing rising mental health needs among older adults. Official data shows that 37.72% of MGNREGS workers in Kerala are elderly, highlighting their dependence on public employment for income security.