Unpacking the Elderly Welfare in Rural Indonesia: The Multidimensional Poverty Index-Based Analysis

This study examines the elderly welfare in Wonogiri Regency, Indonesia, using a multidimensional framework based on the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). The study begins with a comprehensive analysis of the elderly welfare in rural and semi-urban. Utilized National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS) data collected between 2021 and 2023, the study employs a binary logistic regression model, which uniquely combines dimensions such as social assistance, internet technology use, social participation, regional classification, and income to assess the elderly welfare in rural Indonesia, where structural inequalities are more pronounced. Empirical findings indicate that internet use, social assistance, income, and urban residence has the positive relationship and significant effect on elderly welfare. Surprisingly, social participation exhibits a significant negative relationship, suggesting potential underlying stressors. These practical implications highlight the need for targeted digital inclusion, enhanced social protection, and income-generating programs for older adults in rural areas, which could inform more effective and region-sensitive policy interventions in developing countries.