India is an ageing population. A large informal sector provides ample scope to absorb human resources even at older ages. Therefore, like other developing countries a large proportion of older adults in India lead an economically active life. The present study investigates the
association of various factors namely, gender, household per capita monthly expenditure, place of residence, education, marital status, age etc. with the state of being economically active. For this purpose three nationally representative samples that were collected as a part of the national
sample survey (NSS) are utilized. These samples represent the older adult population of India during the periods 1986 - 87, 1995 - 96 and 2004. The logistic regression models are then applied to estimate the effects of all these factors. These effects are analyzed and changes in these effects are compared over time points. In a nutshell the states of the variables that are conducive to being economically active are being male, residing in rural areas and lower educational levels. Ill health on the other hand adversely affects the probability of being economically active. The study emphasizes the need for taking care of the health needs of the older adults to help them remain active for longer durations.