Role of Family in Elderly Depression and Social Isolation in an Urban Slum in India: A Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract Introduction: Old age demands care and comfort, and there is no better environment than a family to care for and meet the needs of the elderly. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the role of family, elderly depression and social isolation. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a community-based analytical cross-sectional study conducted in an urban slum of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh ( n = 400), India. Results: Majority of the study participants (81.0%) were emotionally attached with their family members; those not emotionally attached with family members were at increased risk of depression (odds ratio [OR] 13.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.00–30.19) and social isolation (OR 7.73, 95% CI 4.41–13.56). Similarly, the elderly without support from family members were at increased risk of depression (OR 9.02, 95% CI 3.98–20.43) and social isolation (OR 10.92, 95% CI 5.54–21.52). Conclusion: Elderly requires emotional attachment with and support from first-degree family members (any), preferably everyone. Furthermore, the elderly lacking both emotional and financial support were at increased risk of depression and social isolation.