This study investigates the impact of spousal co-residence on the health, social well-being, and substance use of older adults in India using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 (2017–18). The analysis includes 20,209 currently married individuals aged 60 years and above and examines outcomes related to health (sleep problems, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and depression), social well-being (ill-treatment, discrimination, and crime victimization), and substance use (tobacco and alcohol consumption). Employing bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses in STATA 19.5, the study explores gender and socioeconomic differentials to identify vulnerable subgroups. Findings reveal that spousal co-residence significantly influences sleep quality, depression, and tobacco use. Older adults living apart from their spouses report more sleep problems, functional disability, and tobacco use, whereas those co-residing with spouses exhibit higher levels of depression. No significant association was found between spousal co-residence and alcohol consumption or social well-being indicators such as discrimination and victimization. Gender, socioeconomic status, and place of residence emerge as key determinants shaping late-life well-being. Females, rural residents, the less educated, and unemployed older adults experience poorer health and social outcomes. Overall, the study underscores the complex role of spousal co-residence in shaping physical and psychological health among India’s ageing population. The findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive and socioeconomically inclusive policies and programs that support healthy ageing, strengthen social relationships, and promote emotional and physical well-being in later life.

Authors:
Dewaram Nagdeve, International Institute for Population Sciences, India
Lincy K, International Institute for Population Sciences, India

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Dewaram Abhiman Nagdeve is Director and Senior Professor (Additional Charge) at the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, and also Professor and Head of the Department of Fertility and Social Demography at IIPS.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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