Though VS Achuthanandan had withdrawn from public life in recent years due to health reasons, the people of Kerala continued to hold the name “VS” close to their hearts. A stroke he suffered just before his birthday in 2019 marked a major setback in his health. However, he gradually recovered, regaining mobility in his right hand. In November 2021, he was hospitalised again following kidney-related complications. Yet, no illness could truly defeat him.

Until his most recent hospitalisation on the 23rd of June, he maintained a disciplined daily routine. He would wake up every morning at 8 a.m. and listen to readings from four newspapers, including Kerala Kaumudi. It was also his habit to spend time in his wheelchair on the veranda of his home, both in the morning and evening. VS spent his retirement years at his residence in Barton Hill, Thiruvananthapuram- a home named 'Velikkakathu,' built by his son Arun Kumar.