Are Migration Status and Low Life Satisfaction Associated with Poor Sleep Quality among Older Adults in India? Evidence from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), 2017–2018

Ajay Murmu, Doctoral Student
Vikesh Kumar, International Institute for Population Sciences, India

This study investigates the association between migration status, life satisfaction, and sleep quality among older adults in India, using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) 2017–2018. As India experiences rapid population ageing and increasing internal migration, understanding health outcomes, such as sleep quality, becomes critical. Poor sleep quality is a common issue among older adults, often linked to various chronic conditions and diminished life satisfaction. Migrants, particularly older adults, may face heightened challenges, including social dislocation and economic hardship, which could exacerbate poor sleep quality. Our analysis revealed that older migrants with low life satisfaction had a significantly higher prevalence of poor sleep quality compared to non-migrants. Factors such as age, gender, education, and living arrangements also influenced sleep quality, with females, less-educated individuals, and those living alone more prone to poor sleep. This study highlights the importance of addressing both migration-induced stress and psychosocial factors to improve sleep quality and overall well-being among older adults in India. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at improving mental health and sleep health in this vulnerable population.

Keywords: Internal Migration and Urbanization, Population Ageing, Health and Morbidity

See paper.