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Measuring migration of older persons in India: pattern, characteristics, and determinants

Author

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  • Vasim Ahamad

    (International Institute for Population Sciences)

  • Ram B. Bhagat

    (International Institute for Population Sciences)

Abstract

Understanding the migration of older persons in India raises several critical questions: What are the levels and patterns of older persons’ migration? What differences exist between migrants and stayers in terms of their demographic, social, and economic characteristics? What factors determine migration later in life? A cross-sectional data set, the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), is introduced regarding migration studies in India. Descriptive statistics are used to examine the migration level and pattern, most importantly, the socioeconomic and health characteristics of older migrants. After that, the study examined the association of determinants with older persons’ migration using multivariable logistic regression analysis. In India, 3.3% of the total older persons migrated after the age of 60. Among the females, the migration level was 4%, while among the males, the level of migration was only 2.6%. A majority of the migrants (77.5%) follow intra-state migration, while 42.7% of total migration occurs through rural-to-urban streams. The logistics regression results show that a person’s socioeconomic condition, health status, housing, and living structure significantly determine migration later in life. After adjusting all factors in the model, the result shows that higher age, urban residence, higher education level, not working status, depression condition, and good house quality were significant factors and positively associated with migration of older persons in India. The insights gleaned from the study of older persons’ migration distribution and determinants in India can significantly inform the formulation of policies and the execution of programs tailored to reducing the challenges faced in later life migration, such as healthcare access, suitable housing, and family support.

Suggested Citation

  • Vasim Ahamad & Ram B. Bhagat, 2025. "Measuring migration of older persons in India: pattern, characteristics, and determinants," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 42(4), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joprea:v:42:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s12546-025-09398-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s12546-025-09398-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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