Elderly in Kerala

According to Indian law, a senior citizen means any person is a citizen of India, who has reached the age of sixty years or above. The boundary of old age cannot be defined exactly because it does not have the same meaning in all societies.

According to the Kerala Government statistics, “Kerala is currently passing through the most critical stage of demographic transition as a result of fertility and mortality changes. Kerala is aging faster than the rest of India. By 2011, almost 13 percent of the population is already past 60 years. According to a study (Centre for Development Studies, 2013 “A survey on the aging scenario in Kerala”), the State's elderly population is growing at a perpetual rate of 2.3 percent. The growth rate is high among the elderly aged 70 or 80 above. Currently, 42 lakh people of Kerala are 60 and above; 13 percent of them are 80 years and over, the fastest growing group among the old. Women outnumber men among the 60 plus and among them, the majority are widows.

In Kerala, the culture of sending elderly persons to Old Age Homes is fast developing. The majority of old age people in Kerala are widows. By 2025, about 20 percent of our population would be elderly and the demand for the social security system would be really enormous. So, it is very important to remember that social security to senior citizens is not charity instead it is their basic human right” (Information cited from spb.kerala.gov.in). 

 

About Trppaadam

Trppaadam is a social welfare institution initiated by Bethany Ashram Fathers in Nedumangadu, Kerala. With the commencement of mission work in the year, 1968 at Nedumangadu, Bethany Fathers were involved in Social development programs in that region.  Trppaadam as a social center was started in the year 1974 and it was in 1987, by started taking care of four destitute patients from General Hospital, Trivandrum Trppaadam old age home slowly took momentum.  Once it was a village where people lived looking forward to their daily bread and a proper shelter. During the initial stages, Bethany Fathers did commendable work among the illiterate folk who were economically backward. A Mobile Medical Mission program had been launched in Nalanchira and it was extended to Nedumangadu later with the help of three Doctors of Medical College, Trivandrum, and Missionaries of Charity Sisters.

Fr. Gabriel Thaikkadavil OIC, the first director and founder of Old Age Home worked day and night meticulously for the development of this rural area. He spent around 35 years of his life in this institution. The center was endorsed by Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios the then Superior General of Bethany Ashram. 

Trppaadam Bethany aimed at the social, spiritual, and integral upliftment of the destitute and ignored ones in society. Trppaadam has been promoting small-scale productions like making bamboo products, especially bamboo baskets, agarbattis, bracelets, candles, and pickles.  

Trppaadam Bethany was also known for card making which was started with the help of Bro. Tom.  Initially, more than 300 people were working. 

About Fr. Gabriel Thaikadavil OIC 

Fr. Gabriel Thaikadavil OIC initiated Trppaadam for all those who were unwanted in society in the year 1974, at Nedumangadu.  Fr. Gabriel was a man of compassion and tolerance and he practiced these virtues toward the poor people in society.  Fr. Gabriel’s marga of Trppaadam –at the Holy feet and Trppaada seva – Service at the Holy feet, makes him a man to meditate, a priest to imitate and a prophet to follow.  He loved to call this home Trppaadam and he enjoyed being at the feet of the Lord.