Abstract

Author:

Md Mohsin, Prof. Syed Naushad Ahmad

Doi: 10.26480/magg.02.2024.50.58

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

India’s demographics are changing quickly, and the country’s senior citizens face difficulties. This study explores how sociodemographic characteristics and physical, mental, and functional health dimensions influence life satisfaction in older Indians, using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). Ordered logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate a large sample of 30,370 people who were 60 years of age or older in order to explain the associations.
Findings underscore a significant correlation between health dimensions and life satisfaction among the elderly. Notably, better self-rated health, absence of depressive symptoms, and functional independence emerged as key determinants of higher life satisfaction. Individuals reporting good overall health exhibited notably greater life satisfaction levels, while those experiencing depressive symptoms or functional disabilities reported lower satisfaction.
Moreover, sociodemographic factors exerted substantial influence on life satisfaction. Education emerged as a significant predictor, with higher levels associated with increased life satisfaction. Marital status played a pivotal role, with married individuals exhibiting higher satisfaction levels, possibly attributed to enhanced social support and companionship. Economic standing, reflected by monthly per capita consumption expenditure, positively impacted life satisfaction, particularly among wealthier individuals.
Regional disparities were evident, with some states exhibiting higher life satisfaction levels compared to others. For instance, Gujarat reported notably higher satisfaction rates, while Andhra Pradesh exhibited lower levels. These regional differences highlight the complex interactions between environmental and sociocultural elements that influence older individuals’ well-being.
Despite limitations inherent in cross-sectional data and reliance on self-reported measures, findings offer valuable insights into the intricate determinants of life satisfaction among India’s elderly population. Addressing disparities in health access and socioeconomic factors holds promise in enhancing overall well-being among older Indians. Future research endeavours should explore comprehensive health measures and tailored interventions to optimize life satisfaction in aging populations.
This study contributes to the growing body of literature on aging and underscores the imperative of holistic approaches to promote well-being among older adults in India and beyond.