Kerala govt told to replace 'Old Age Home' nomenclature with 'Snehalayam'
Thiruvananthapuram, July 29
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Wednesday directed the state government to ensure that the term "Old Age Home" is completely phased out from official and public usage and replaced with "Snehalayam", in accordance with a government order issued in 2024.
Judicial Member K. Baijunath directed the Social Justice Department to take immediate administrative steps to replace the old nomenclature on name boards, official websites, publications, public records, and all other communication platforms.
The Commission also called for awareness campaigns to ensure that the term "Old Age Home" is no longer used in public discourse.
The order was passed on a complaint contending that the term "old age" creates a sense of inferiority and stigma among senior citizens.
The Commission noted that the state government had, through Government Order No. 247/2024/SJD dated December 2, 2024, officially renamed all such institutions as "Snehalayam".
However, despite the order, the earlier nomenclature continues to remain in common use.
The directive assumes added significance as Kerala has the country's highest proportion of elderly citizens.
Nearly 18.7 per cent of the state's 3.30 crore population is above the age of 60, reflecting a rapidly ageing society and increasing demand for institutional elderly care.
Kerala currently has 16 government-run elderly care institutions, including specialised dementia care centres.
In addition, around 690 privately managed homes are registered under the Orphanage Control Board.
Together, these institutions provide care to more than 35,000 senior citizens, making the adoption of a more dignified and compassionate nomenclature all the more relevant.
The Commission directed the Director of the Social Justice Department to ensure strict implementation of the government's order across the state.
The directions were issued while disposing of a complaint filed by Prof Varghese Mathew, who had sought the renaming of old age homes in keeping with the dignity and welfare of senior citizens.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the sentiment, let's focus on improving facilities and care in these homes too. My grandfather is in one, and honestly, regardless of what you call it, the conditions matter more. Renaming without real change is just empty symbolism. Just saying.
Interesting to see this from an Indian state. Back in the US, we have "assisted living" which tries to sound better too, but the stigma remains. Kerala is right to try, but society needs to change attitudes, not just names.
This is so needed! In our culture, parents sacrifice everything for children, but many end up alone in old age. "Snehalayam" at least acknowledges the love they deserve. Though I wish families would care for their elders at home. 😔
Typical Malayali overthinking! Instead of spending money on name changes and boards, why not improve pensions or healthcare? My grandmother doesn't care what the board says — she cares if the food is good. Priorities, people!
As someone who worked with elderly care in the UK, I can say language matters. "Old folks home" is seen as derogatory there too. Kerala is leading India in this, showing that respect for the elderly isn't just tradition but policy. Good on them. But implementation is key.
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