Abstract
Cognitive impairment (CoI) is a significant risk factor among the elderly and a major burden on public health. CoI is a condition in which a person struggles to recall, learn new things, focus, or make decisions that have an impact on his or her daily activities. This study unearths the degree of socioeconomic inequalities and assesses the determinants of CoI among the elderly in India. Elderly aged 60+ years (n=31,646) data gathered in a nationally representative LASI (2017-18) was analysed through STATA 16.1. Binary logistic regression, concentration index and curve, and Wagstaff Decomposition analysis were performed to assess the socioeconomic inequalities and the determinants of CoI. Sixteen percent of the elderly had CoI. Females (OR=1.88, 95% CI= 1.70-2.09), those aged 80 plus years (OR= 3.98, 95%CI = 3.56-4.44), from ST (OR=2.65, 95%CI=2.32-3.02), with perceived poor health (OR=1.61,95%CI=1.45-1.79), with depression (OR=1.32, 95%CI=1.21-1.43), with no schooling (OR=16.46, 95%CI= 11.31-23.97) with 1+ADL (OR=1.43, 95%CI=1.31-1.57) and 1+IADL (OR=1.30, 95%CI=1.19-1.41) had higher odds of CoI than their respective counterparts. Elderly from urban areas, higher income groups (OR=0.61, 95%CI= 0.53- 0.70) and higher education level with sources of financial support less likely to experience CoI. Economic inequalities exist in the distribution of CoI-the poorest being the most disadvantaged (concentration index value= -0.118). The findings advise raising awareness and developing more customized policies/programs to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in CoI among India’s elderly. The improved mental health of the elderly will contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3 on guaranteeing good health and well-being for all.
Presenters
Madhurima SharmaPhD Research Scholar, Department of Population and Development, International Institute for Population Sciences, Maharashtra, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Economic and Demographic Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
ELDERLY, COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT, CONCENTRATION INDEX, DECOMPOSITION ANALYSIS, INDIA
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