Paper short abstract:

The present paper attempts to examine the extent of social network and social support among tribal elderly in India. Furthermore, we also intend to explore the association between the social network and quality of life of tribal elderly in Indian situation.

Paper long abstract:

Social relationships and affiliations have powerful effects on the quality of life of individuals, particularly on elderly. Social support and social networks are the concepts that describe the structure, processes and functions of social relationships. Research in many developed countries has established the positive effects of social network on the quality of life and well-being of elderly population. However, the extent of social network and support available to elderly in India vary considerably and rarely understood.

The data from 10,000 households of the WHO sponsored survey on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE-India) carried out in six states (Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal) in 2007 has been used. We use cross tabulations to present the socio-economic and demographic patterning of social networking and quality of life of elderly. We also use logistic regression analysis to examine the adjusted effect of social network on the quality of life and well-being of elderly, after adjusting for socio-economic and demographic confounders.

The preliminary analysis indicates a positive association between social network index and quality of life of elderly. Elderly with strong social cohesion/networks are more likely to report good health status, improved activities of daily living and better well-being than their counterparts. It was also observed that considerable gender differentials exist with regard to Social network and support mechanism between aged men and women in India.