Caregivers' support among India's elderly: Findings from the longitudinal ageing study in India

The ageing phenomenon is accompanied by several challenges, among which decreased mobility and increased dependency remain prominent. This makes both caregiving and caregivers a crucial factor in ensuring the elderly population has a healthy and dignified life. This study emphasises the necessity of caregivers and the amount of time they dedicate to providing care for the elderly (60 years and above) in India.

This research used the national representative data, Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave 1, 2017-18. The research encompasses the 31,336 elderly population from the LASI wave 1. Bivariate analysis and the logit regression method have been applied to analyse the caregiver support, number of caregivers, and caring time for the elderly with mobility restrictions in India.

The total sample size for the study was 31,336 elderly. Out of the total sample, 14,945 (52.04 %) indicated dependence in at least one Basic Activity of Daily Living (BADL) or Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL). Among the aged population who indicated dependence in at least one BADL or IADL, 24.8 % reported receiving support from caregivers. The caregivers' support was determined for elderly people, regardless of their level of dependence on BADL or IADL. The overall caregiver support among India's elderly population was 12.9 %. Logistic regression analyses show that the odds of caregiver support among the elderly population who reported dependence for at least one BADL or IADL is higher among those aged 75 years and above [OR: 2.17, 95 % CI: 1.99-2.36, p < 0.001].

This study examines the assistance provided by caregivers to the elderly in India who expressed dependence on BADL and IADL. As individuals become older, they experience a decrease in functional capacity and a higher dependence on others for BADL and IADL, necessitating further support and care. The results of this study underscore substantial deficiencies in addressing the requirements of caregivers for the ageing population in Indian society.