Does early-life migration experience determine health and health-risk behavior in later life? Evidence from elderly returns migrants in Kerala, India

Becoming elderly is an intrinsic part of life, and the burden of disease increases with age. However, the early life migration experience and occupational hazards at the destination can lead to serious health problems later in life. This study aims to understand the association between early life migration and the health and risky behavior of elderly return migrants using data from the Kerala Migration Survey in 2018. The results of bivariate and multivariate analyses show that the majority of migrants return due to retirement and ill health at the average age of 51 and suffer from poor health and multiple diseases. More than half (55%) of elderly returnees reported poor health, and among them, 70% have at least one chronic disease. The early life migration experience and injuries at the destination are the main determinants of poor self-rated health and chronic disease. Furthermore, elderly return migrants have high-risk health behaviours such as smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as less access to health schemes. Despite some shortcomings, this study identifies the most vulnerable groups among the elderly and their health characteristics. This will help to promote healthy aging in Kerala, India, or areas with increasing numbers of elderly and return migrants around the world.