| Sumario: | Depression in later life is a growing but often overlooked concern in India. At the same time, religion continues to shape the daily lives of many older adults, offering potential support beyond formal healthcare. This study examines whether spiritual involvement, defined as both belief and regular participation, is associated with reduced depressive symptoms among India's ageing population. Using data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017–2018), we focus on individuals identified as "practising believers". To address selection bias, we apply Propensity Score Matching, enabling more credible comparisons between groups. Depression is assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D Scale), adapted for Indian use. The findings indicate that practising believers report significantly fewer depressive symptoms than those with limited or no religious involvement. These results underscore the potential of culturally embedded practices in supporting mental well-being and highlight the relevance of religious institutions in age-sensitive mental health strategies.
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