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Psychosocial wellbeing of older persons in Kerala, India

Anil Chandran Sreedharan Pillai, University of Kerala
Asha T Chacko, University of Kerala

Objective was to assess the psychosocial wellbeing of older persons in Kerala by measuring abuse, depression and subjective wellbeing. Study is based on primary data collected from 453 old aged individuals and their family members from Kerala in 2018-19. About one-fifth reported some form of abuse. Verbal abuse was most common, followed by economic and emotional abuse. Women and those who live alone experience more abuse. One-tenth of the elderly have experienced neglect. Living with family members is a prime factor that reduces neglect towards the elderly. The GDS:SF was used to assess depression. The findings showed that the severe depression is highly prevalent among those of age 80+with no sex difference in the levels of depression. Being without a spouse is a risk factor for depression among the elderly. SUBI Scale was used to measure subjective wellbeing. The mean SUBI score of 15.9 obtained indicated good wellbeing. Living arrangements strongly influence psychosocial wellbeing. Those living alone or with members other than spouse or children are more likely to suffer from the poor mental health. Social and kin relations are important contributing factors for psychosocial wellbeing. Avenues of better social interaction may be provided for meaningful engagement and emotional support.

Keywords: Population ageing, Older adults

See extended abstract.

  Presented in Session P2.