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Background: An increase in average life expectancy has raised a concern about whether these extra added years are characterized by good health and independence or health problems and dependency on others for care. The current study aimed to analyze the morbidity burden, associated expenditure, and coping strategies among India's elderly population. Data and Methods: The study uses cross-sectional data of the National Sample Survey 75th round. Multivariable logistic regression has been used to examine morbidity and associated expenditure differentials among the elderly population in different socioeconomic variables in India. Results: Findings show that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and economic burden among the elderly population in India in the case of inpatient care. However, in outpatient care, CVDs are the leading cause of morbidity, while cancer is the main cause of economic burden (measured only through OOPE). Although CVDs are the leading cause of morbidity and economic burden, psychological and neurological, injuries, cancer, and gastrointestinal ailments force the elderly population to borrow for inpatient care. Further, it is the oldest, minority (Muslims) and richest section of the elderly population who are most likely to report health issues. Gender differential is also clear from the results as females are more likely to report for ailments in outpatient care, whereas the reverse is the incident in inpatients. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a need to increase government spending on social security such as old age pensions like Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, keeping in view the changing needs of the elderly population. |
