The influence of migration status on perceived discrimination among older adults in India: a nationwide cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Migration is a significant life event that may increase the risk of discrimination, particularly in older age. This study investigates the influence of migration factors on perceived discrimination among older adults in India. Method and materials Data were drawn from 64,711 respondents aged 45 and above from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017-18). Migration status was determined based on the respondent’s place of last residence (POLR), and perceived discrimination was assessed using an everyday discrimination scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to examine the likelihood of reporting discrimination, adjusted for socioeconomic factors. Results Fifty-seven percent of the total older adults, aged 45 and above, were internal migrants and growing older at the destination place. After adjusting for other factors, migrants were significantly more likely to report discrimination [AOR: 1.38; CI: 1.28–1.48], concerning non-migrants. Male migrants, in particular, faced higher odds of discrimination [AOR: 1.59; CI: 1.44–1.77] compared to female migrants [AOR: 1.21; CI: 1.08–1.36], concerning non-migrants, respectively. Additionally, inter-state migrants experienced greater discrimination than intra-state migrants, while rural-to-urban migrants faced more discrimination than other migration streams. Recent migrants reported a higher level of discrimination compared to long-settled migrants. Conclusion Older adults in India who migrate face a dual vulnerability, experiencing discrimination both due to age and their migrant status. These findings underscore the need for appropriate policies and legal frameworks to address and prevent discrimination against older migrants in India.