Socioeconomic Determinants of Anticipated and Actual Caregiving for Older Adults in India

Abstract

This study investigates adult children's informal caregiving for, and living arrangements with, older parents in urban India. We differentiated between anticipated caregiving, for respondents whose parents and parents-in-law do not currently need care, and actual caregiving, for respondents who have at least one parent or parent-in-law with care needs. The results based on the 2011 Osaka University Preference Parameters Study reveal different antecedents of anticipated and actual care. Females have lower odds of anticipated care but there were no gender differences in actual caregiving. Married people have higher odds of anticipating financial assistance, but lower odds of providing actual caregiving. Religiosity is positively related to anticipated care and co-residing but not actual caregiving. Wealth increases the odds of anticipating providing housework as well as anticipated and actual financial assistance, while decreasing the odds of actual care. Given these findings, strengthening public pension and long-term care services is warranted.