Health & Happiness: Life Satisfaction in India’s Older Adults

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.