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Co-residence with Adult Children and Elderly Mental Health: Evidence from India

Author

Listed:
  • Lakshmi Ullas

    (Madras School of Economics, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 600025)

  • and Amrita Chatterjee

    ((corresponding author) Madras School of Economics, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 600025)

Abstract

Ageing is associated with increased vulnerabilities, decline in social skills and other capabilities. Prevalence of depression among elderly people is much higher in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and adult children are considered as the primary care givers in these countries. It is the general perception that co-residence with adult children facilitates their daily activities and provide financial support. International literature shows mixed results in this context though Indian studies are showing the positive impact of co-residence with adult children on mental health of elderly patents. However, no study corrects the possible endogeneity in the relationship neither they explore the possible role of formal and informal health care services in mental health-co-residence relationship. The current study examines the effect of co-residence with children on the mental health of elderly people in the age category of 60 and above using Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) 2017-18. After correcting for endogeneity through Propensity Score Matching and Instrumental Variable method, the results suggest that elderly parents living with their children are less likely to be in a state of depression. However, this relationship crucially depends on the formal or informal health care the parents need.

Suggested Citation

  • Lakshmi Ullas & and Amrita Chatterjee, 2025. "Co-residence with Adult Children and Elderly Mental Health: Evidence from India," Working Papers 2025-284, Madras School of Economics,Chennai,India.
    • Handle: RePEc:mad:wpaper:2025-284
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts

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