Everyday Lives of Elderly Indians: An Ethnographic Exploration of Dementia and Emotional Distress

Purpose: This ethnographic inquiry explores the everyday lives and lifestyles of elderly individuals in India, drawing on data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India - Diagnostic Assessments of Dementia (LASI-DAD). The older population poses a significant global health challenge, as their declining physical, mental, and social well-being is influenced by regional and cultural contexts unique to India. While LASI-DAD provides quantitative insights into the prevalence and risk factors impacting the elderly, this study offers a qualitative examination of their daily lives and lived experiences.

Method: Utilizing purposive sampling, we captured diverse experiences of individuals aged 60 and above across various regions, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through participant observation and in-depth interviews, we investigated the multifaceted dimensions of their everyday lives, focusing on daily routines, coping strategies, and familial and societal dynamics.

Results: The thematic analysis highlights the profound realities associated with the “Everyday Life of People Living with Dementia and Its Impact on Their Lives.” Two sub-themes emerged: 1) Emotional Distress, where participants articulated challenges in adapting to contemporary settings, underscoring the emotional toll of living with dementia; and 2) Evolving Social Dynamics and Behavioral Changes, revealing experiences of marginalization in social contexts as they navigated cognitive and behavioral transformations.

Conclusion: By integrating ethnographic methods with the LASI-DAD dataset, this research contributes to a culturally nuanced understanding of dementia in India. The findings inform local healthcare and support systems and enrich the global discourse on dementia, offering vital insights for enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers both in India and worldwide.