Increase in life expectancy, child-free couples and senior citizens; Kerala in 2051

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is expected that Kerala will soon become a state of senior citizens. Extreme attention to health care and the declining birth rate have pushed the state to such a situation. Young couples deciding not to have children are increasing in numbers.

Based on the population ratio of the last 25 years, the study was made to predict the situation in the state for the next 25 years. It was found that by 2051, the life expectancy of Malayalees will increase by 10 years.

But the birth rate will decrease. The 1.5 children per woman will become 1.4. The population will increase to 3.65 crore in 2041. However, due to the declining birth rate, it will decrease to 3.55 crore in 2051. Then, the number of people above the age of 80 will be 6.8 per cent of the population. The birth rate is also decreasing in states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Punjab.

The study was conducted in Kerala by the International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMAD), an NGO under the Tata Trust, for the Population Federation of India. The organisation, headed by retired Additional Chief Secretary Sheela Thomas, is assisted by Planning Board Member Raviraman and experts from the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation. The study was led by IIMAD Chairman S. Irudaya Rajan in Kerala.

Kerala numbers:

👉 According to 2021 estimates, the average life expectancy of a man is 70.4 years:

👉 In 2051, the average life expectancy of a man is 80

👉 According to 2021 estimates, the average life expectancy of a woman is 75.9

👉 In 2051, the average life expectancy of a woman is 85.7

👉 Couples relying on just two children - 58%

👉 Couples who want three children - 10%

With youngsters flying to foreign countries in the hope of better life prospects, old-age homes are expected to burgeon in Kerala.

"By 2051, one in five voters in the state will be a senior citizen. This is an issue that needs to be discussed in all sectors."

- S. Irudaya Rajan, Chairman, IIMAD