Exploring work and life satisfaction among older adults in India: Evidence from LASI

Background

Whether working in old age has a positive impact on overall life satisfaction of older people is a pertinent research question. This paper examined the role of work and occupational characteristics on life satisfaction among older adults in India.

Data and methods

This study utilised data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017–2018). It analysed 30771 older adults aged 60 and above. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and linear regression analysis were applied.

Results

The mean score for life satisfaction was 23.74; slightly higher among men (24.09) than women (23.43). However, the findings from multivariable analysis shows that overall, women were more likely to have better life satisfaction than men after controlling for other characteristics. Never worked (aCoef=-0.55, SE=0.26, p < 0.05; beta=-0.012) and currently working (aCoef=-0.43, SE=0.12, p < 0.001; beta=-0.025) men were less likely to have better life satisfaction than men who are currently not working. Women who worked earlier and currently not engaged in work had better life satisfaction than men of the same class. Compared to men who were working on their farms, male agricultural labourers were less likely, and women engaged in their own or family farm were more likely to report higher life satisfaction. The study findings demonstrate that financially resourceful and working pensioners were capable of enjoying themselves in later life. Although gender differences exist in life satisfaction in the context of work, the effect sizes were small.

Conclusion

Women, better educated and wealthy, married, and healthy older adults are more likely to be satisfied in life. Encouraging saving practices among people, strengthening the land ownership rights and improving health and financial security among older adults through a life-course approach will contribute to a better quality of life in old age. The research underscores the importance of considering mediating mechanism of other factors while exploring the relationship between work, occupation and life satisfaction.