International Institute for Population Sciences
Deemed to be University (An Autonomous Organization of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India)

This study investigates the relationship between elder abuse and mental health among older women aged 60 and above in India, utilizing data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1. Elder abuse, a recognized global issue, affects both genders, with women demonstrating heightened vulnerability due to factors such as financial dependency, physical or cognitive impairment, and social isolation. In India, around 5% of elderly adults report experiencing ill-treatment, with higher prevalence observed in states like Bihar, Karnataka, and West Bengal. The LASI survey employed a nationally representative sample using a multistage stratified sampling method, ultimately including 16,366 older women. Mental health outcomes, specifically depressive symptoms measured through the CES-D scale, serve as the main outcome variable for this analysis, with ill-treatment experienced in the past year considered the key predictor, along with demographic and socioeconomic covariates including age, education, caste, and impairment status. Results reveal significant disparities: rural residency, lower education, poorer economic status, marginalized social groups, and especially those with physical or mental impairments are associated with both higher rates of abuse and depression. Notably, the prevalence of depressive symptoms is greater among those who experienced ill-treatment (AOR: 3.27; CI: 2.34–4.57) and among those with disabilities or those who live alone. State wise analysis highlights marked geographical variation, with depressive symptoms most prevalent in Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Logistic regression further demonstrates a robust association between abuse and depression after controlling for confounders. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address and prevent elder abuse, and to improve mental health outcomes for aging women.