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Depression and Loneliness among the Elderly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Abhijit Banerjee
  • Esther Duflo
  • Erin Grela
  • Madeline McKelway
  • Frank Schilbach
  • Garima Sharma
  • Girija Vaidyanathan

Abstract

We combine data from longitudinal surveys in seven low- and middle-income countries (plus the United States for comparison) to document that depressive symptoms among those aged 55 and above are prevalent in those countries and, unlike in the United States, increase sharply with age. Depressive symptoms in one survey wave are associated with a greater decline in ability to carry out basic daily activities and a higher probability of death in the next wave. Using additional data from a panel survey we conducted in Tamil Nadu with a focus on elderly living alone, we document that social isolation, poverty, and physical health challenges are strongly correlated with depression. We discuss potential policy interventions in these three domains, including some results from our randomized control trials in the Tamil Nadu sample.

Suggested Citation

  • Abhijit Banerjee & Esther Duflo & Erin Grela & Madeline McKelway & Frank Schilbach & Garima Sharma & Girija Vaidyanathan, 2023. "Depression and Loneliness among the Elderly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 37(2), pages 179-202, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jecper:v:37:y:2023:i:2:p:179-202
    DOI: 10.1257/jep.37.2.179
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yi Chen & Hanming Fang, 2020. "The State of Mental Health Among the Elderly Chinese," NBER Working Papers 26690, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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      More about this item

      JEL classification:

      • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
      • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
      • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
      • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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