Descripción
Drawing on an expansive, nationally representative sample of 28,308 Indian adults aged 60+ from LASI (2017–18), this essential study delivers clear, evidence-based insights into what truly fosters life satisfaction in India’s rapidly aging population. It confirms that better self-rated physical health, greater functional independence, and freedom from depressive symptoms are all strongly linked to higher life satisfaction—even after accounting for age, gender, education, caste, wealth, and living arrangements. It also reveals that co-residence with spouse and children, higher socioeconomic status, and education over 10 years significantly boost well-being, while mental health challenges, ADL/IADL limitations, and socioeconomic inequalities persist as barriers. Notably, satisfaction increases among the oldest-old (75+), yet remains shaped by social integration and economic privilege. By weaving together physical, mental, functional, social, and economic dimensions, this book offers a powerful roadmap for policymakers, health professionals, and caregivers urging holistic interventions and continued longitudinal research to foster happier, healthier aging in India.