Living arrangements and health of older adults in India

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We investigate the association between the multigenerational household context and health of older adults in India, taking into account potential selection effects. METHODS: Using data from the India Human Development Survey (2004-05), a nationally representative multitopic data set, we employed a two-step analytical strategy-logistic regression followed by propensity score stratification method-to model the effect of contrasting living arrangement types on short-term illness. RESULTS: Overall, older adults living in multigenerational households have the lowest levels of short-term illness. Among them, those who live with their spouse, adult children, and young grandchildren experience the highest health gains. Health advantage diminishes when older adults live only with a spouse and adult children, and further diminishes when they live only with their spouse. Solitary living is associated with the highest likelihood of short-term morbidity. Good health is also shown to be associated with household wealth, gender, household size, and urban residence. DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates that multigenerational households-the traditional and the most dominant form of living arrangement in India-have protective health benefits for older adults, while taking into account potential selection mechanisms. On Contrary to some epidemiological studies, we do not find any elevated risk of exposure to short-term illness, when older adults are living in households with young grandchildren.