Types of Ego-centric Social Networks among Urban Older Adults in India

MD SAYED HASAN, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
DR SOMNATH GHOSAL, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

This study tries to assess the social networks among older adults in urban India and their association with background variables. A sample of 378 older adults aged 60 years and above were selected for a cross-sectional survey using semi-structured questionnaire in the Kalyani Municipal Area (KMA) of West Bengal, India. Multivariate K-means clustering technique and bivariate chi-square tests were applied to address the objectives. Using eleven criterion variables, this study found five network types: spouse and children (living together), children (living away from parents), other family, friends, and others. The most frequent type, named “other family” (38.1%), predominated by extended family ties (39.63%) in urban India, followed by “children” (23.54%), “friend” (20.37%), and “spouse and children” (10.58%). The less frequent cluster, i.e., “other” (7.41%) dominated by neighbours, or even formal helpers (78.21%). The family networks comprised of young adults, who were married, had better economic status, and have been living with spouses and children. On the contrary, the non-family networks comprised of older adults who were among widowed, living alone, and dependent on others. The presented typology compensates for the understanding of social capital among older adults. It can be concluded as the policymakers may reconsider the social interventions to support healthy ageing in Indian urban context.

Keywords: Social network methods, Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations

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