Unveiling the dynamics of social engagement and subjective health in older adults: A gendered perspective

• Published in: Experimental gerontology 2024-08, Vol.193, p.112472, Article 112472
• Main Authors: Saha, Amiya, Govil, Dipti, Muhammad, T., Thomas, Arya Rachel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Gender; LASI; Social engagement; Subjective health
• ISSN: 0531-5565; 1873-6815; 1873-6815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112472

As populations age globally, understanding the dynamics that influence the well-being of older individuals become increasingly crucial. The research employs a comprehensive approach to unravel the multifaceted interplay between social engagements and subjective health perceptions of older Indians, with a special focus on gender differences. This study used data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) wave 1, 2017–18 with a total sample of 30,533 older adults aged 60 years and above. Bivariate analysis, chi-square tests and unadjusted and adjusted average marginal effects from logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between social engagements and subjective health among older adults, stratified by gender. The prevalence of poor health status decreased with higher frequency of social networks among 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 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. This study adds to the expanding knowledge base to enhance the well-being and fulfillment of aging populations, considering the complex interplay of social dynamics and gendered perspectives. •Our findings point out an overall low social engagement among older adults.•Among older adults, only 6% of men and about 3% of women participated in social or civic activities.•We find a general decline in subjective health as the age advances for older adults.•Our findings highlight that older adults' health declines with weaker social participation, especially for older women.