Informal sector employment and the health outcomes of older workers in India

A large proportion of the older population in India constitutes an undeniable share of workforce after the retirement age. This stresses the need to understand the implications of working at older ages on health outcomes. The main objective of this study is to examine the variations in health outcomes by formal/informal sector of employment of older workers using the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India. Using binary logistic regression models, the results of this study affirm that type of work does play a significant role in determining health outcomes even after controlling socio-economic, demographic, life-style behaviour, childhood health and work characteristics. The risk of Poor Cognitive Functioning (PCF) is high among informal workers, while formal workers suffer greatly from Chronic Health Conditions (CHC) and Functional Limitations (FL). Moreover, the risk of PCF and/or FL among formal workers increases with the increase in risk of CHC. Therefore, the present research study underscores the relevance of policies focusing on providing health and healthcare benefits by respective economic activity and socio-economic position of older workers.

Automated summary

A significant portion of India's elderly population remains in the workforce after retirement age, making it important to understand the impact of working at older ages on health outcomes. This study investigates the health outcomes of older workers in the formal and informal sectors using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India. Results from logistic regression models show that type of work plays a significant role in determining health outcomes, even after controlling for various factors. Informal workers are at a higher risk of poor cognitive functioning, while formal workers are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions and functional limitations. The study highlights the importance of implementing policies that provide health and healthcare benefits based on the respective economic activity and socio-economic position of older workers.