Subnational Pattern of Gender Disparities in Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults in India

Perianayagam Arokiasamy, International Institute for Population Sciences, India

This paper documents significant subnational variations in gender disparities in health and wellbeing across 36 states and union territories of India from the recent Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017-18). In addition to mapping subnational variations in gender disaggregated analysis, multilevel hierarchical models examine influencing gender disparities. Older women than older men reported higher rates of chronic health conditions including physical and mental health condition, functional limitations and women-specific health conditions. These cumulative disadvantages stem from life-time gender disparities rooted in patriarchy. Results confirm a) higher rates of chronic health conditions and lower functional health outcomes among older women in most states b) higher prevalence of chronic health conditions in states advanced in demographic transition and c) complex regional dynamics of gender inequalities and ageing reflecting the subnational pattern of gender differences. The geographic patterns of gender-based differences in social determinants particularly education are likely to contribute to the observed differences in both physical and mental health conditions between older women and men.16 This aligns with the well-recognized existing literature on gender-based inequalities in socioeconomic and health indicators across the states of India. National and statewide polices are needed to address life-time gender disparities and improve health of older women.

Keywords: Population Ageing, Spatial Demography, Health and Morbidity, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

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