The Effect of Spousal Age Differences on Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in India: Evidence from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (Lasi), 2017-18

Satyam Rai, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
Rakesh Chandra, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Waquar Ahmed, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

Background: Depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders among older adults. However, the underlying pathway or mechanism in the spousal age differences and depressive symptoms in later years of life is still unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of spousal age differences on depressive symptoms among older adults in India. Methods: Data of this study has been extracted from the Longitudinal ageing Study in India (LASI), 2017-18. Our analysis included 42,517 couples aged 45 years and above. Multivariable logistic regression models were used for the data analysis. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was nearly 41% among spouses with age differences of 10 years and higher, followed by 8-10 years (38.8%), 6-8 years (37.9%), 3-5 years (37.0%), and 0-2 years (36.9%). Unadjusted and adjusted estimates of regression models suggested a strong association between 10+ years of spousal age differences and depressive symptoms (UOR = 1.19; 95% CIs 1.09–1.29 and AOR = 1.16; 95% CIs 1.06–1.28). Conclusion: The higher prevalence of depressive symptoms among spouses with wider age differences suggests that age-discrepant marriages may present unique psychosocial challenges. This finding highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions, especially for couples with significant age differences.

Keywords: Families, Unions and Households, Health and Morbidity, Population Ageing, Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations

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