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In this paper, we contend that urban middle-class older Indians engaged in "serious leisure" as a way to reimagine and reconfigure the structure of everyday life during the pandemic-led epochal downtime. In particular, we heuristically show that leisure activity patterns and constraint negotiation strategies among older Indians followed conceptual semblances with the dominant leisure-based typology of Serious Leisure Perspective. By thematically analysing household surveys (n = 71), time-use diaries and in-depth interviews (n = 15) of middle to upper middle-class individuals (55–80 years), we show how both men and women distinguished between serious leisure that is marked by motivation, agency and perseverance with that of unstructured, routinized free-time (or causal leisure). Time-use diaries suggested that despite the changed realities of heightened domestic time available to both genders due to the pandemic, women recorded higher proportion of their daily hours in household management and caregiving. Although women were governed by moral-cultural self-descriptions in their engagement with leisure, it was often associated with an enhanced sense of self-actualisation, self-management and identity. Overall, we show how the social codes of age and gender were inextricably linked with the practice of leisure during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to census 2011, India had nearly 104 millions of 60 years and above population. The share is projected to increase from 8 per cent in 2015 to 29 per cent in 2050, which is a matter of concern as rapid population ageing is accompanied by serious social and economic implications which are often linked with different health outcomes in general and lower subjective well-being (SWB) in particular. This paper aims to focus on how socio-economic inequality affects lower SWB among older adults. Bivariate, binary logistic regression and decomposition analysis were used for carving out the results using data from the Building a Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI). The effective sample size for the analysis was 9181 older adults. The value of the concentration index for lower SWB was -0.28 in India, depicting that lower SWB was concentrated among older adults with poor socio-economic status. Educational status (22%), living arrangement (13%), trust over someone (13%), self-rated health (6%), instrumental activities of daily living (6%) and cognitive ability (5%) explained significant portion of socio-economic inequality for lower SWB among older adults. Our research highlights the urgent need for more empirical exposure to socio-economic inequality and its dynamic impact on lower SWB among older adults. Moreover, the present study recommends strengthening the current government programme to focus especially on older adults from lower socio-economic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the association between population ageing and health spending are inconclusive. Though per capita health spending has a strong age gradient, evidence from the developed countries attributes increasing health expenditure to high spending in terminal year of life. In India, though studies have examined the level, trends and determinants of health care spending, no attempt has been made on association of population ageing and per capita health spending across the districts of India. The objective of this paper was to examine the spatial dependencies and heterogeneities of population ageing and per capita health spending across 640 districts of India. Data from the Census of India (2011) and the consumption expenditure rounds of the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) (2009–10 and 2011–2012) were used in the analysis. Univariate and bivariate LISA analysis, ordinary least square regression, and spatial error model were used to decipher the spatial pattern of population ageing and health spending in the districts of India. Results suggest that per capita health expenditure is positively associated with the proportion of the older adults (aged 60 years and above) in the districts of India. Districts with less than 5% older adults have an annual per capita health expenditure of ₹629 compared to ₹2432 in districts with older adults 12% or more. Districts of India also exhibit large spatial heterogeneity in household health spending. Bivariate Moran's I statistic of proportion of older adults and per capita annual health expenditure was 0.48, suggesting spatially association of the share of the older adults and the per capita annual health expenditure in India. Results of the spatial error model confirmed that share of urban population, mean wealth score, and mean household size are significant predictors of per capita annual health expenditure in India. This study is important to monitor the progress of universal health coverage across the disadvantaged districts and to integrate age component in universal health coverage programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing family structure from joint to nuclear posits a challenge among older people. Increasing prevalence of nuclear family promotes household headship among older adults but leaves them vulnerable as they have to live alone at older ages. Therefore, the study aims to estimate the trends and determine the factors associated with household headship among older adults from 1992-93 to 2015–16. The analysis of this paper is based on four rounds of the National Family Health Survey, which were conducted during the periods between 1992-93, 1998–99, 2005–06, and 2015–16, respectively. The study carried out bivariate and multivariate analysis to observe the association between outcome and independent variables. Results found that household headship among older adults had increased from 59.5% in 1992–93 to 67.8% in 2015–16. Further, the study found a rise in the proportion of nuclear families and household headship among older adults from 1992-93 to 2015–16. In older ages, household headship was more among older women than older men. The likelihood of household headship among older adults in a joint family is low as compared to household headship in a nuclear family. While the rise in household headship among older adults may be attributable to a variety of socio-economic influences, it has been noted that household headship among older adults has varied between men and women and by type of family structure. Moreover, there was a clear relationship between headship and wealth status of a household. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the decline of the joint family system, middle class older adults in urban India are increasingly relying on the Self-Care approach as later-life care arrangements. In particular, these older adults are relying on the market for their everyday physical and emotional care needs. Applying the North American Successful Ageing model and the political economy and consumer culture of ageing framework, the present study highlights how the market is creating a new imagination of growing old in urban India. Additionally, through qualitative interviews, the study demonstrates how perceptions regarding the ageing body among middle class older adults in urban India are gradually transforming. Finally, the study indicates how with changing filial and intergenerational ties, familial care is being replaced by the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase proportion of elderly means additional national responsibility to meet the emerging challenges to ensure well-being. Family, kinship, and community which were the strong sources of social support and care for the elderly in India has become weaker in recent times. Eight of India's states are considered to be relatively socioeconomically backward, and are referred to as the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states, while rest of the states are demographically more advanced and many have achieved replacement level of fertility. The purpose of this paper is to compare the pattern of living arrangements and economic dependency among elderly in EAG and non-EAG states of India. Data from the National Sample Survey 71st round was used for analysis (N = 27,245). Results suggest that majority of the elderly co-resided both in EAG and non-EAG states. The major difference in living alone between EAG and non- EAG states is found according to religion, consumer expenditure quintile, and perceived health. Overall, 72% elderly are economically dependent on others. The differences between EAG and non-EAG states in economic dependency are considerable according to marital status, education, religion, and consumer expenditure quintile. Multivariate analysis revealed that the chances of living alone and economic dependency are higher in non-EAG states than EAG states. Number of surviving children, education, and consumer expenditure quintile are the significant predictors of living alone, while age, gender, and education significantly influence economic dependency. The findings call for making appropriate changes in policies and programmes to ensure social security and health of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic has undoubtedly affected almost every aspect of life for people around the world. However, the most affected are older adults living in developing countries like India. In fact, the second wave of the pandemic in India was the most devastating wave so far. Now that the worst appears to be over, there is a need to study the impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing of older adults recovering from the virus in the country. Hence, the aim of the present study is to examine the long-term impact of covid 19 on older adults, its connection with wellbeing, and the role of social workers in their recovery. A total of 203 older adults from India took part in the study. The results show that the majority of the respondents have poor wellbeing and have been more frequently plagued by chest pain, fatigue, and isolation, ever since they became infected. Moreover, respondents who are female, those with co-morbidities, and are suffering from other problems such as frequent chest pain, fatigue, and feelings of isolation, have lower levels of wellbeing. The implications of social work practice have also been discussed in the full paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's traditional kinship behavior have undergone certain fundamental changes due to recent development and functioning of Indian society. Of all, the most dominant change is in the form of co-residence of children with their parents in old age. Without familial support, falling or no income and poor health, today, older adults are the most vulnerable population sub-group in the total population. Therefore, by using the India Human Development Survey-II, 2011-12 data we study the relevant association of living arrangement on health status of the older adults. Our results indicate that older adults living alone have significant and strong association with adverse health conditions such as Cataract, Hypertension, and Heart Disease. On the backdrop of health variations of older adults, it is understood that among other socio-economic conditions, living arrangement have serious implications on the health status of the older adults. Thus, we strongly support the notion that older adults with proper family care and support are more likely to be in a better health position as compared to those deprived of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rapidly ageing countries, increased life expectancies threaten the poor and low-income workers. India is such a country. The number of people over sixty will rise from the present 90 million to an expected 200 million by 2030. Giving the changing demography, family structure and settlements the need for pension products is increasing. This counts particular for women since they live longer and have less opportunities to create a pension by lack of formal labour force participation. This paper focuses on recent initiatives taken in India to analyze the improvement of the pension coverage and its capacity to prevent women's old age poverty. How can the low pension coverage in India - in particular for low-income female workers in the informal economy -, be increased? The research focuses on new pension schemes introduced by the Indian Government and new micropension provisions by grass root non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and microfinance institutes (MFIs). Results from the case-study show, that only about 6 % of the clients of the Dhan Foundation (NGO) stated to have access to pension. This is in line with the national statistics. The pilot initiative for a micro pension program of the Dhan Foundation, show a clear positive result in willingness to pay for micro pensions among their mostly female clientele To improve the low coverage rate, micropensions could be of significant added value in the so called 'multi-pillar approach' that recognizes the complementarities between the state pension, the private sector and the civil society sector pension plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst a rapidly aging population, living alone is considered as a living arrangement with various disadvantages. The study aimed to assess the association between older adults living in one-person-households (OPH) and their socio-economic status along with associated inequalities. The data for the present study was utilized from National Family Health Survey, 2015–16 (n = 146, 657). Descriptive, bivariate along with multivariable analysis was used to fulfil the aim of the present study. For assessing socio-economic differentials in OPH, concentration index along with Wagstaff decomposition analysis was used. It was revealed that poor older adults had a higher proportion of OPH (12.7%) than older adults from the non-poor category (3.8%). The value of concentration index was -0.38 indicating the concentration of OPH among poor older adults. Manipur had the highest value of concentration index (-0.614). The highest percentage of poor OPH among older adults was in Kerala (30.7%) and whereas it was lowest among older adults in Bihar (5.9%). About 33.6% of socio-economic status related-inequality was explained by the marital status of older adults followed by older adults' place of residence (30.9%) and gender (29.3%). Older adults who are poor, women, never married, and living in rural areas need greater attention from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. In addition, policies should be designed by differentiating between older adults who live alone by choice and those who are forced by circumstances to map the vulnerabilities effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has also joined the club of ageing countries in the world with a rapid health transition and experienced demographic ageing. The rapid growth of the older adult population has raised serious concerns about their health and healthcare utilization. However, very limited research has been done on the effects of demographic ageing on health and healthcare utilization. With this perspective, the present study looked at patterns in morbidity prevalence and health-seeking behaviour among older adults in India. The data was used from the National Sample Survey Organization, 75th round (2017–18) government of India. The total sample for the analysis is 1,26,42 older adults aged 60 and above. Univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to understand the effects of socio-demographic conditions on morbidity prevalence among older adults and their healthcare-seeking behaviour. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases were found to be higher (14.4%) than communicable diseases (5.4%), and other morbidities (8.5%) among older adults (≥ 60) in India during 2017–18. The prevalence of communicable (6.3%), non-communicable (21.8%), and Other diseases (11.7%) were higher among the oldest-older adults (80 + years) compared to other groups. The prevalence of the non-communicable disease was considerably higher among male older adults as compared to females. The morbidity pattern of older adults varies remarkably across the states of India. More than half of the older adults (54%) visited private health care facilities for seeking their in-patient care. The utilization of private health facilities was higher among male than female older adults in India. The findings of this study are essential in assisting policymakers and healthcare providers in identifying individuals at risk, and might be incorporated into present initiatives for older people's social, economic, and health security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The living arrangement is an essential social support mechanism affecting older adults' health and well-being. As the Indian family structure changes over time, India's older population needs detailed investigation for its well-being due to living arrangements. This study investigates the association between the change in living arrangements after reaching age 60 years with subjective well-being and psychological health among older adults in India. We used the survey data "Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing" in India conducted in 2011. The effective sample size for the study was 9231 older adults. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was done to present sample distribution and unadjusted estimates, respectively. Ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to understand the association between the living arrangements of the older adults and their psychological health. The outcome variables were ordered as 0 "best", 1 "good", and 2 "worst". The results showed that older adults with a change in living arrangement after turning 60 years had a higher prevalence of poor psychological health (27.5%) and low subjective well-being (36%). It was found that older adults with change in living arrangement after turning old had 84% and 54% higher likelihood to report worst psychological health [AOR: 1.84; CI: 1.48–2.27] and worst subjective well-being [AOR: 1.54; CI: 1.22–1.93] compared to older adults who did not change their living arrangement after turning old. A change in old-age living arrangements is associated with older adults' psychological health and subjective well-being in India. Older adults with a change in living arrangements need special policy attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proportion of older adults are increasing at a much higher rate than ever expected in both developing and developed countries, and India is no exception. High health care expenditure is attributed to deteriorating health condition among older adult following disability in later life stages and also due to the presence of chronic diseases, and multi-morbidity among them as life expectancy has substantially increased in last few decades. Data for the analysis was used from the National Sample Survey Organization conducted during the 71st (2014) and 75th round (2017-18). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and linear regression were used for the study. It was found that mean OOPE for older adults was high if the household head was an older adult in case of both men and women. Older adults from higher socio-economic status incurred high OOPE. Moreover, older adults who were financially independent incurred high OOPE compared to those who were partially or fully economically dependent. More interestingly, financially independent women incur higher OOPE than financially independent men. In most states, it was observed that mean OOPE was high for men compared to women, which depicts clear gender differentials. The findings of this study are significant and provide new information on discrepancies between older men and women in health-care spending. Older men were found to have slightly higher health care costs relative to women in this nationally representative survey, after adjusting for confounding factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India is undergoing a huge demographic and epidemiological change, resulting in an increase in population ageing. With this, the number of people with co-existence of multiple chronic diseases is also set to rise. The present study aims to identify gender differential in the most prevalent combinations of chronic conditions among the elderly living with multimorbidity in India. This study also examines the factors affecting multimorbidity status among the Indian elderly. This study used the data from Building a Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI), conducted in 2011. The presence or not of multimorbidity was considered as the outcome variable. The bivariate and logistic regression analysis was done to access the pattern and predictors of multimorbidity among the elderly. The relative risk of having different chronic conditions were calculated among the population with multimorbidity. The prevalence of most prevalent disease combinations among the overall population and multimorbidity group was also calculated. The overall prevalence of multimorbidity among the elderly was 32.96% and higher among women (34.69%). The most prevalent diseases among respondents with multimorbidity conditions were arthritis or rheumatism (54.75%), hypertension (45.79%), loss of all-natural teeth (32.94%), cataract (31.34%), diabetes (23.01%) and asthma (21.06%). The prevalence of arthritis or rheumatism, diabetes and hypertension were higher among women in the multimorbidity group than men of the same group. The relative risks for conditions like dementia, loss of all-natural teeth, depression, cerebral embolism, stroke or thrombosis and osteoporosis are higher in the multimorbidity group. Hence these conditions have a higher possibility to co-exist with other chronic conditions. The most prevalent combination of diseases in the multimorbidity group was arthritis, rheumatism or osteoarthritis, hypertension, and cataract (4.68%). The prevalence of this combination is higher among women than men (women: 5.79%, men: 3.30%). Age, gender, religion, wealth quintile, current working status, smoking, alcohol were significant determinants of multimorbidity among the elderly. Multimorbidity is an emerging issue and highly associated with ageing. There lie gender differences in the combination of diseases and their prevalence. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen healthcare services for both men and women using gender-specific analysis as both genders have different priorities regarding healthcare utilisation. One of the relevant implications based on our findings is that researchers and policymakers need to work together to develop effective intervention strategies separately for men and women, which will help to reduce the burden of multimorbidity in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loneliness is defined as practical and cognitive discomfort or uneasiness from being or perceiving oneself to be alone. This study attempts to understand the effect of household and individual characteristics on gender differentials in loneliness among older adults in India. The data used was carved out from WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (Wave-1), India conducted in 2007-08. To fulfil the objective, we used data on 6,532 adults aged 50 years and above and applied bivariate analysis along with logistic regression and showed interaction between potential determinants which can explain gender differentials in loneliness. Nearly 18% of older adults in India (16% of men and 20% of women) reported suffering from loneliness in 2007–08. Women who were household-head had 60% higher likelihood of reporting loneliness than men who were household head. Women who were either separated/divorced/widowed/never married had higher (AOR: 1.26; p < 0.05) likelihood of reporting loneliness than that of separated/divorced/widowed/never-married men. Additionally, retired women had (AOR: 1.22; p < 0.05) higher likelihood of reporting loneliness in comparison to retired men. Lastly, women who had lesser social participation had higher odds for reporting loneliness than men who were lesser socially active (AOR: 1.69; p < 0.05). The study concludes that intersectionality persists in loneliness among older-adult women with their marital status, work and social participation. The old aged programmes should focus on widowed/separated/divorced/never married, retired, socially inactive older adults with special focus on women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The older population in India has increased significantly from 24.71 million in 1961 to 43.98 million in 1981 and further to 104 million in 2011. There is an urgent need to study the health conditions of older adults and also a need to examine factors contributing to poor self-rated health (SRH). This study determines the decadal difference for poor self-rated health among older adults in India. It also explores whether decadal variations in poor SRH can be attributed to the socio-economic context in which older adults live. This study used two rounds of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data; 60th round (2004) and 71st round (2014). Logistic regression and Wagstaff's decomposition analysis were used to carve out the results. The study found a significant decrease in the relative decadal difference of 5.2% in reporting poor self-rated health among older adults in India over the two time-periods. Older adults who were economically dependent and were living alone had higher odds of reporting poor SRH than their counterparts. There is a negligible difference in the value of concentration index from 2004 (0.0183) to 2014 (0.0177) for poor self-rated health among older adults. Additionally, place of residence, education, and below poverty line status were the main contributory factors explaining the socio-economic inequality for poor SRH among older adults in 2004 and 2014. These findings suggest that an effective way to reduce socio-economic inequality in poor SRH is not only to have access to education but also to focus on improvements in health-related infrastructure in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyses various aspects of one-person households (OPH) among older adults from multiple socioeconomic backgrounds in India. The study utilizes data from the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015–2016 (N = 146,657), and employs bivariate and binary logistic regression analysis to carve out the results. The percent OPH among older adults in India was 7.4% (2.4% men and 28% women). In terms of gender differentials, it was found that older women were more likely to stay in OPH than older men. The interaction of marital status with gender and place of residence together revealed that married women in rural areas were significantly more likely to stay in OPH than widowed men in urban areas. There is an urgent need to strengthen the social security scheme for older adults in OPH in India, especially in the southern part of the country, where the prevalence of OPH is the highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes queer gerontology as a framework to raise questions and rethink theoretical tools by weaving personal biographies and intimate histories of queer men in Mumbai, India. In particular, drawing on narratives and self-presentation aesthetics of 30 middle-aged to older men in the online dating app, Grindr, as well as face-to-face interviews, this study harnesses the somatic turn in gerontology to show how the (neoliberal) triad of self-care, stylistic consumption and an invocation of "metrosexual" masculinity become critical signifiers of the never-aging cultural enterprise of the Third Age (Laslett 1989). In the process it shows how the putative marginality of the homosexual aged body both destabilizes and strengthens the rationality of normative heterosexuality through its enduring emphasis on (sexual) functionality and moral duty. The men's narratives allow us to question the limits of "western" cultural anxieties of "coming out" in a context where homosociality offers reticent acceptance without threatening the heteronormative matrix. All in all, this study with its focus on men's bodies as erotic capital allows us to reimagine aging where desire remains socially and culturally meaningful for most men across their lives, thereby de-centering the heteronormative and asexual gaze of mainstream gerontology in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on health-related quality of life (HRQL) from India are limited. We conducted this community based cross sectional study to find out the HRQL and its correlates among older adults in one of the most advanced Indian districts in epidemiologic and demographic transition. We selected 300 older adults aged ≥60 years using a multi stage cluster sampling technique from Pathanamthitta district. Information on socio-demographics and self reported morbidity was collected using a structured interview schedule. HRQL was collected using a validated Short Form (SF)-36. We used multiple linear regression analysis to find out the correlates of HRQL. Mean age of the sample was 70 years (SD 8.4). The study constituted 58% women. The mean score of SF-36 subscales ranged from 28.8 for role physical to 78.2 for role emotional. Compared to mean physical component summary (PCS) score (42.2), mean mental component summary (MCS) score (61.2) was higher. Most of the SF-36 component scores were significantly higher among men, better educated, employed, those who lived with spouse, those who did not report chronic illness and those who belonged to upper caste compared to their counterparts. However, significance of physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores was limited to better educated, employed and those who belonged to upper caste. The SF-36 scores on HRQL from this district are likely to be an upper estimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from a group of older and middle-aged (50 years above) women and men who have re-partnered (includes both marriage and cohabitation) through the assistance of a marriage bureau based in the city of Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India), we examine the sociological notions of relatedness and the "practices" of family and intimacy. We ask whether this "non-normative" process of becoming kin in the post-reproductive lives of these participants, holds promise for a democratization of the private sphere as noted by Giddens (1992) where the social process of relatedness is privileged over its biological/procreational forms. In the process, we examine how our study participants tend to organize their newly established relationships through contradictory tensions of negotiations, commitment, social obligation and personal autonomy. In-depth interviews conducted in a dyadic format revealed gendered expressions of personhood, intimacy and sociality. For example, men expected their relationship to bring in nostalgic ideals of domesticity, whereas women associated re-partnering with increased social status, kinship support and economic security underscoring the expected social benefits associated with caste-endogamous idealized heterosexual unions. Significantly, caste relations were instrumental in determining partner preferences and relationship formation with family members among older couples. We show that despite being circumscribed by conventional social scripts, women in these relationships use their (post-reproductive) age to an emancipatory advantage by bargaining with patriarchal compulsions of verilocality and lack of say in partner decisions. In a context where cultural norms prescribe a social pathology of asexuality and familial dependence in later life, this new form of relatedness offers an uplifting narrative of self-disclosure and intimacy, although ultimately reproducing social, economic and symbolic hierarchies of gender and generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study conducted by the authors on risk factors and covariates of functional limitations in elderly living in India. Topics discussed include problems in performing activities of daily livings (ADLs) such as walking and getting out of bed; positive association between functional limitations and wealth possession; an increase in risk factors for functional limitations due to smoking and chronic diseases.

The article discusses a study conducted by the authors related to impact of living arrangements on caregiving to old people in India. Topics discussed include association between living arrangements of older adults with disability, functional status and caregiving patterns; benefits of co-residing with children in obtaining care for chronic morbidity and hospitalization; and family support to elderly who lived alone.

This qualitative inquiry explored the meaning of healthy aging, health status of the elderly they serve, availability of programs and services, and knowledge of policies specific to seniors from the perspective of health service providers in India. To this end, 100 physicians, allied and alternative health care providers were recruited using snowball sampling method and interviewed in person. The health service providers showed an overall tendency toward holistic definitions including aspects of physical, mental and social wellbeing and reported widely prevalent health problems in each of those domains (e.g., physical health problems, social health concerns resulting from changing family structure). In discussing programs and services available to seniors, a wide range was evident; however the need for expanded health and social support was clear. In order to adequately respond to this need, policy development and implementation relating to the aging population is necessary and three key considerations are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]