SOCIAL GROUP DISPARITIES IN LIFE EXPECTANCY AND ACTIVE LIFE EXPECTANCY AMONG OLDER PERSONS IN KERALA, INDIA. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malhotra, R; Rajan, I; Syam, S; Visaria, A; Saito, Y
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 230
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.855
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: In India, hierarchical caste-based social stratification has been present for centuries. While caste-based discrimination was banned in 1950, social group disparities in health, including disability and mortality, persist ‒ those belonging to 'lower' castes (the Scheduled Castes [SCs]) or Scheduled Tribes (STs) often do worse. Amongst all Indian states, Kerala has the highest life expectancy and adult literacy, and a history of leftist governments and egalitarian polices; we are interested in the extent to which social disparities in health exist in such a context. We assess social group disparities in life expectancy (LE), active LE (ALE) and inactive LE (IALE) among older persons in Kerala. Data from 4 waves of the Kerala Aging Survey, a longitudinal survey of 4940 older persons was used. Respondents were classified into two social groups: (1) SCs/STs/OBCs (Other Backward Classes) (62%), and (2) General castes (all other castes; 38%). Active state was defined as no assistance in five activities of daily living. At age 60, LE, ALE and IALE estimates were higher, by 2.3, 1.9 and 0.4 years, for older persons in the General castes group versus those in the SC/ST/OBC group; differences in LE and ALE were statistically significant. These social group disparities, favoring those in the General castes group, persisted across sex and educational status. Even in Kerala, considered a 'model state' for development indices, social disparities in LE and ALE are evident ‒ older persons from disadvantaged social groups, can expect to live fewer years overall and in an active state.