Patterns and Determinants of Organizational Membership among Older Adults in India

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjss.2025.v05.n02.011

Keywords:

older adults, Membership, India and LASI

Abstract

Social participation a crucial element of active and healthy ageing, as it reduces social isolation and enhances physical, mental, and subjective well-being among older adults. In rapidly ageing societies like India, understanding the level and determinants of organizational membership is increasingly important for policy formulation. However, empirical evidence on social participation among older adults in India remains limited. So, study examines the extent and socio-economic determinants of organizational membership among older adults in using data Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), Wave-1 (2017–18). Analysis based on a nationally representative sample of 66,606 individuals aged 45 years and above, comprising 34,704 persons aged 45–59 years and 31,902 aged 60 years and above. Organizational membership, measured as a binary variable, used as a proxy for social participation. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression techniques employed to assess participation patterns and identify key determinants across age groups. Findings indicate that organizational membership among older adults in India is very low, with only about 7 per cent reporting membership in any organization. Participation higher among 45–59 years individuals (8%) than aged 60 years and above (5%). Marked socio-economic differentials evident. Higher participation associated with rural residence, females, higher education, current employment, and better household economic status. Multivariate results show that education, work status, and economic status are strong predictors, while urban residence and widowhood reduce participation, among the elderly. Study highlights persistent social inequalities and highlights policy needs that promote inclusive, age-friendly social environments in India.

Author Biographies

  • Shriprasad H, Associate Professor, Population Research Centre, JSS Institute of Economic Research, Dharwad, Karnataka

    Dr. Shriprasad H. is an Associate Professor working at the Population Research Centre, JSS IER Dharwad, Karnataka for the past 13 years. He obtained his Master’s degree and PhD in Economics from Mangalore University. He has been continuously involved in PIP monitoring under National Health Mission (NHM) and research projects assigned by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India and has worked across several Indian states in this capacity. He also served as one of the coordinators for the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Project for Karnataka and Goa during Wave 1. He published more than 25 research papers in National and International Journals.

  • M S Kampli, Data Assistant, Population Research Centre, JSS Institute of Economic Research, Dharwad, Karnataka

    M. S. Kampli is a postgraduate in Computer Science from Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka. He is currently working as a Data Assistant at the Population Research Centre, JSS IER Dharwad, Karnataka for the past 13 years.  He is constantly involved in PIP monitoring under NHM and other research work assigned by MoHFW GoI.

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Published

2025-12-31

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Research Review Journal of Social Science

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Shriprasad, H., & Kampli, M. S. (2025). Patterns and Determinants of Organizational Membership among Older Adults in India. Research Review Journal of Social Science , 5(2), 82-89. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjss.2025.v05.n02.011