Psychological Well-Being in Older Person in India: The Role of Family

VANDITA RANJAN, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

India's demographic transition is marked by an aging population, driven by declining fertility rates, increasing life expectancy, and urbanization. This shift has led to changing family structures, with a growing number of older persons living alone or in nuclear families with the dissimilation of traditional joint family. This study explores the psychological well-being of older persons in India, focusing on the role of family dynamics. Using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 (2017–2018), the research examines factors associated with depression and life satisfaction among individuals aged 60 and above. The findings reveal that smaller household size, and living alone are linked to higher levels of depression and lower level of life satisfaction. Conversely, larger household sizes, educated children, and higher personal education levels serve as protective factors. Economic status, caste, and region further influence mental health, with poorer, marginalized groups exhibiting worse outcomes. The study underscores the critical need for targeted interventions that address social support, education, and economic security to enhance the mental well-being of India's older population. These insights are vital for developing policies and programs to support the growing aging population in a rapidly changing social landscape.

Keywords: Population Ageing, Longitudinal studies , Families, Unions and Households, Health and Morbidity

See extended abstract.