Multivariate decomposition of gender differentials in successful aging among older adults in India

BACKGROUND: Rowe and Kahn define successful aging as a high physical, psychological, and social functioning in old age without major diseases. It is considered a viable solution to the burdens placed on healthcare systems and financial and social security in societies with aging population. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of successful aging and explore the factors contributing to gender differentials in successful aging among older adults in India. METHODS: This study utilized data from the nationally representative Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, conducted in 2017–18. The study is based on a sample of 15,098 older men and 16,366 older women aged 60 years and above. The outcome variable was a dichotomous measure of successful aging with six components including absence of chronic diseases, free from disability, high cognitive ability, free from depressive symptoms, active social engagement in life and free from obesity. Older adults satisfying all these conditions were considered aging successfully. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out. Proportion test was used to evaluate the gender differentials and reflect the statistical significance in the associated factors. Multivariate decomposition analysis was conducted to identify covariates’ contribution in explaining the gender differences in successful aging. RESULTS: There was a significant gender difference in successful aging among older adults in India (Difference: 8.7%; p-value < 0.001] with 34.3% older men and 25.6% older women experiencing successful aging. A proportion of 88% of gender difference in successful aging was explained by the differences in the distribution of characteristics (Coef: 0.082; p-value < 0.05). Considerable gender gap in successful aging would be reduced if women had similar levels of work status (28% reduction) to their male counterparts. Bringing the level of frequent physical activity in women to the same levels observed in men would reduce the gender gap by 9%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that women had a lower score in successful aging, which is attributed to several socioeconomic and behavioural factors including not working status and physical inactivity. More studies must be done to explore the reasons for such differences and what particular factors in low-income countries create differences among older men and women in achieving successful aging.