Table 1 Sample distribution of older adults in India by various socio-demographic and economic background (N = 72,250)

Place of Residence

 Rural

49,274

68.2

 Urban

22,976

31.8

MPCE quintile

 Poorest

14,956

20.7

 Poorer

15,328

21.22

 Middle

14,790

20.47

 Richer

14,151

19.59

 Richest

13,025

18.03

Age at last birthday

  ≥ 45 Years

9168

12.69

 46–60 Years

33,115

45.83

 61–75 Years

24,002

33.22

 Above 75 Years

5965

8.26

Highest level of Education

 Illiterate

35,763

49.5

 Primary

16,771

23.21

 Secondary/Matriculation

12,216

16.91

 Above Secondary

7499

10.38

Religion

 Hindu

59,186

81.92

 Muslim

8428

11.67

 Others

4631

6.41

Caste Category

 Scheduled caste

13,688

19.66

 Scheduled tribe

6102

8.76

 Other backward class

32,527

46.72

 None of them

17,310

24.86

Sex of Respondent

 Male

30,342

42

 Female

41,908

58

Currently working

 Yes

33,431

46.28

 No

18,884

26.14

 Never worked

19,915

27.57

Current Marital Status

 Currently married

54,621

75.6

 Widowed

15,650

21.66

 Others

1975

2.73

Total

72,250

100