How Does Multi-Morbidity Relate to Feeling of Loneliness among Older Adults? Evidence from a Population-Based Survey in India

We aim to examine multimorbidity as a risk factor for feeling of loneliness among older adults in India. Further, we investigate the interactive effects of sex and living arrangements in the association of multimorbidity and feeling alone in old age. The study involved a cross-sectional design of baseline data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017–18). A single-item measure was used from the 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) to capture the feeling of loneliness among older adults. Model 1 in the multivariable analysis (Wald χ2 = 6.50, p < 0.05, Pseudo R2 = 0.0011) produced a significant association between multimorbidity and feeling alone (UOR = 1.20, CI: 1.04–1.38). In models 2 and 3, socio-demographic variables, as well as health and behavioral factors were added and it is found that model fit has been increased significantly (Wald χ2 = 524.82, p < 0.0001, Pseudo R2 = 0.0430), showing a positive association of multimorbidity with the feeling of loneliness. These findings highlight the importance of knowledge about multimorbidity to determine individuals at risk for higher loneliness scores in order to promote healthy aging.