Factors Associated with Life Satisfaction and Depression Among the Indian Ageing Population: Evidence from a Large-scale Cross-sectional Study

Background: The mental health of older adults is crucial due to the complex experiences they undergo as a result of ageing. The increasing ageing population of India underscores the importance of understanding the factors influencing older adults' wellbeing. However, research on the determinants of depression and life satisfaction among Indian older adults is limited. This study investigates the influence of factors, such as activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, lifestyle factors, and illtreatment, on depression and life satisfaction. Methods: Data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) Wave-1 (2017-2018) were used. The samples included 46,054 middle-aged and older adults. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression models were employed. Results: Activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, sleep quality, and experiences of ill treatment demonstrate significant association with depression and life satisfaction. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking, have important influences on depression (β = .09, 95% CI = .009-.18). Sleep disturbance has a negative association with life satisfaction (β = -.15, 95% CI: -.17- -.12). Conclusion: The results of this study imply the significant of functional activities and lifestyle factors in the well-being of older adults. The intricate relationships uncovered in this research serve as a foundation for future investigations, encouraging a holistic perspective on the well-being of older adults.