Associations between migrant status, social isolation, and loneliness among older adults in India

This study examined the associations between migrant status, social isolation, and loneliness among older adults in India, as well as whether these associations vary by sex, place of residence, wealth, and pension status. Data were obtained from wave 1 (2017-18) of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), with a sample of 31,390 individuals aged 60 years and above. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between social isolation, feelings of loneliness, and migrant status after adjusting for conceptually relevant covariates including sex, place of residence, and socioeconomic and demographic factors. Multiple stratified regression models were used to assess the role of sex and place of residence in the observed associations. A total of 11% of older adults reported social isolation and 37% reported loneliness. Migrants had a higher prevalence of social isolation (11.82%) and loneliness (39.95%). After adjusting for the selected covariates, older migrants had a higher likelihood of experiencing social isolation (AOR: 1.16; CI: 1.01–1.32) and loneliness (AOR: 1.19; CI: 1.06–1.34) than non-migrant older adults. Older adults residing in rural areas had higher odds of social isolation (AOR: 1.64; CI: 1.40–1.92) compared to those residing in urban areas. Older women were less likely to be socially isolated than their male peers were (AOR: 0.85; CI: 0.73–0.99). Moreover, older migrants residing in urban areas had a higher chance of social isolation (AOR: 1.76; CI: 1.33–2.31) and loneliness (AOR: 1.48; CI: 1.17–1.87) than non-migrant older adults residing in rural areas. Similarly, older male migrants were more likely to experience social isolation compared to male non-migrants (AOR: 1.23; CI: 1.03–1.47). Additionally, older migrants in rural areas were more likely to experience loneliness compared to non-migrant older adults in rural areas (AOR: 1.21; CI: 1.05–1.39). In addition, social isolation and loneliness were more pronounced among older migrants who did not receive pension in this study. These findings suggest that loneliness and social isolation among older adults, particularly migrants, are highly prevalent in older male and urban migrants. The findings also suggest that social health in older adults is determined by various factors, including sex, place of residence, work and marital status, education, health, wealth and pension status, and geographical location. Direct policy efforts are required to develop and implement healthcare and social welfare programs that specifically cater to the needs of older migrant adults in India.