Impact of adult son migration on the health wellbeing of older parents and shifts in caregiving patterns: a study in India

Population ageing is a growing demographic concern in the twenty-first century, with health declining as individuals age. In India, migration, particularly among single males, disrupts traditional caregiving systems, affecting older parents’ health. This study aims to examine the impact of adult son migration on the health and wellbeing of older parents, as well as shifts in caregiving patterns among left-behind parents. For this present study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Koch Bihar of West Bengal. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were employed to assess physical and subjective health status as well as caregiving patterns, emphasizing the impact of adult sons’ migration on the wellbeing of their parents. The study shows that parents with migrant sons face significant health and caregiving challenges compared to those with non-migrant sons. Around 18% of parents with migrant sons rated their health as poor, with a higher likelihood of chronic ailments, psychological distress, and loneliness. The log β coefficients were 0.29 for psychological distress scores and 0.82 for loneliness among older parents of migrant sons. Nearly 7 out of 10 of the parents of migrants were reported suffering from any chronic ailment, whereas the prevalence of any chronic ailment was 57% among the parents of non-migrants. Caregiving support, particularly during acute illnesses and hospitalizations, was lower for these parents, with non-familial members often stepping in. There was also a reduction in family support for Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Generation-wise living arrangements and gender influence these effects. Parents of migrants often experience poorer health, chronic morbidity, psychological distress, and loneliness compared to parents of non-migrants. Despite family members being primary caregivers, parents of migrants were more likely to rely on non-family caregivers and take on financial responsibility for their care. The study highlights the need for eldercare strategies to address the caregiving gaps in areas with high adult out-migration, particularly considering generational and gender influences.