Living arrangements among older population and perceptions on old age assistance among adult population in India

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the pattern of living arrangements among the older population and perception about old age support in the Indian adult population.Design/methodology/approachThis study used India Human Development Survey (IHDS), 2004‐2005 data for empirical analyses. Bivariate and multivariate models are used as statistical analyses for this study. This study is an evidence‐based interpretation of living arrangements among older persons and perception about future living arrangement and financial assistance among current adult people.FindingsIt was found that 17 percent of older population lived with their spouse only; only 2 percent lived singly, and the rest of 85 percent elderly were living in co‐residence with children. A majority of women respondents are expecting their sons to live with them, to take care and provide financial and emotional support in their old age. This indicates that the family will continue to be a significant social institution for the care and support for the older population in India.Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind, which, in addition, to living arrangement patterns of the older population, provides some insight about the expectations of the current adult generation about living and financial preferences in old age.