THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pathanamthitta district has the highest percentage of people in the age group of 60 and above. This was disclosed in the Economic Review 2018 tabled in the Assembly on Wednesday. Of the total population of Pathanamthitta district, 18 per cent are in the age group of 60 and above.
While Malappuram at 9 per cent has the lowest per centage of 60 plus population, in the age group of 0-14 the district accounts for 30 percent population which is the highest in the state. Pathanthitatta has a porporation of 19 per cent in this age group.
If the actual number is taken, Malappuram has the highest number both in 0-14 and 15-59 group - 12.4 lakh and 25.2 lakh respectively. Wayanad has the lowest number in all age groups, as the district has the least number of total population.
The State has 64 per cent of its population in the working age group of 15-59 compared to 23 per cent and 13 per cent in 0-14 age and 60 and above age groups respectively. Among districts, Idukki has the highest per cent of the working population (66 per cent) while Malappuram has the lowest (61 per cent). All districts of Kerala have a working population of 60 per cent and above.
Geriatric care is one of the biggest challenges being faced by the state. Experts say with the elderly population projected to go up from the present 13.5 per cent to 18 per cent of the state's population in a decade, the need of the hour is to have a comprehensive policy to deal with the issues of elderly people. At 72 years for men and 78 for women, life expectancy in the state is much higher than the national average of 69 years for both sexes. This too has resulted in the increase in population of senior citizens.
The biggest challenge is to ensure quality life, regular treatment, sustenance and family support for the elderly.
