Gender Dimensions of Work Participation and Life Satisfaction among Older Adults: Exploring 4 Metro Cities in India

India’s ageing population is raising concerns about well-being, with life satisfaction being a key factor influencing older adults’ quality of life. Understanding the factors affecting life satisfaction and work participation can help shape policies to better support this vulnerable group. This study examines gender differences in labour force participation and life satisfaction among older adults (45+) in four major Indian metropolitan cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai—using the LASI Metrocities dataset. We find that workforce participation is lower than the national average, especially for women. The cities show varied work profiles, with Kolkata having higher participation, particularly among older women in the informal sector. Men are more likely to work in the private sector, while women are concentrated in NGOs, cooperatives, or individual households. Life satisfaction also varies, with Mumbai reporting the highest and Kolkata the lowest. The study finds that working in the informal sector is linked to lower life satisfaction, and older men working in the formal sector report higher satisfaction than those not working. The research underscores the need for better work opportunities and social support to improve well-being among older adults.