Abstract
Social networks, such as ties with spouses and close friends, and participation in social activities benefit older adults’ mental well-being globally. India has a rapidly growing ageing population and adult child out-migrants. Prior empirical studies show that mental well-being is significantly associated with this population. However, the exact association between social networks and left-behind elderly parents’ mental well-being remains unexposed mainly. To address the need, this study aims to assess the effects of social networks on the mental well-being of left-behind 60+ older parents using LASI data. The study indicates that those who have a close relationship with their spouse and friends and participate in any social activities are less likely to report poor SRH, depression, lower Life satisfaction (LLS), and lower cognitive functions (PCF). Participation in social activities reduced the likelihood of reporting poor SRH by 66%, LLS by 68%, and PCF by 80%. Social networks work as a contraceptive for poor mental well-being.
Presenters
Manoj DakuaSenior Research Fellow, Public Health and Mortality Studies, International Institute for Population Sciences, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Older People in Emergency Situations
KEYWORDS
Social Network, Mental Well-being, Left-behind Parents
