Aging & Social Change: Fourteenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

As populations age globally, understanding the dynamics that influence the well-being of older individuals becomes increasingly crucial. This research employs a comprehensive approach to unravel the multifaceted interplay between social interactions and the subjective health perceptions of elderly individuals, with a specific focus on gender differences. This study used Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave 1, 2017-18 with a total sample of 30,533 older adults aged 60 years and above. Average marginal effects, bi-variate and chi square test were used to assess the relationship between social engagement and subjective health among older adults. Findings suggest that the prevalence of poor health status decreased with higher frequency of social relationships for both men (pp. (percentage point) =6.1; CI (Confidence Interval):10.6, 1.6) and women (pp.=9.2; CI:14.9, 3.4). The adjusted average marginal effects demonstrate that with an increase in the overall score range of social engagement, the likelihood of poor health is almost reduced by half. For men, the prevalence of poor health was 9.8 (pp) (95% CI: 13.7, 5.8), while for women, it was 9.3 pp (95% CI: 15.2, 3.1). Gendered perspectives unveil unique patterns, highlighting how societal expectations and roles assigned to each gender may influence the subjective health perceptions of older individuals. In conclusion, this study adds to the expanding knowledge base aimed at enhancing the well-being and fulfillment of aging populations, considering the complex interplay of social dynamics and gendered perspectives.