Aging and self-reported morbidity in India: Socio-economic determinants and long-term trends from National Sample Survey data (2004-2018)

Abstract

India's aged population is projected to grow significantly in the future and it may pose many social, economic, and health challenges. The present study examines the self-reported illness patterns among the aged persons in India by using information from the National Sample Survey Organization's 60th, 71st, and 75th rounds. Findings reveal that self-reported morbidity among the aged population is nearly three times higher than those in other age groups. Chronic ailments and hospitalization rates among the aged persons are also higher than the rest of population. The health profile of the aged is also changing and diseases like hypertension, heart diseases, and diabetes are more prevalent. Logistic regression analysis shows that individual characteristics like age of old, marital status, and education significantly influence the health status of the aged people. Furthermore, household factors like rural residence, family size, economic status, caste and religion also play a crucial role in determining their health status. The findings emphasize the need for targeted health policies and improved data collection methods to address the health challenges faced by older adults in India.