Does educational attainment improve cognitive functioning of older tribal population in India?

Neha Kumari, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Nandita Saikia, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

This study examines the cognitive functioning differences between older tribal and non-tribal populations in India, investigating the role of educational attainment in these differences. Data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017-18) were analyzed, with a sample of 62,322 older adults (18.3% tribal). Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) cognition module. Various individual, lifestyle, and household factors were considered, and statistical analyses included linear regression and decomposition analysis to understand the impact of education and other factors on cognitive differences. Tribal older adults had significantly lower cognitive functioning than non-tribal groups, with a difference of 12.4%. Education level was a key determinant, explaining 39% of the cognitive gap. Other contributors included social activities and living environment. Educational disparities between tribal and non-tribal populations are a major factor in cognitive functioning differences. Improving education access for tribal populations could help bridge this gap and improve cognitive health. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore causal relationships.

Keywords: Population Ageing, Health and Morbidity, The Demography of Indigenous Populations, Longitudinal studies

See extended abstract.