Resources and needs of the elderly

How do the elderly see their own health, do they exercise, and do they feel lonely? The report describes the resources and needs of the elderly in terms of health, housing, use of home-help, social relationships, and hobbies. Furthermore an analysis focuses on which factors are linked to the elderly’s need for help.
The report shows that men and women age differently. More women than men assess that their health is poor, and more women than men have help at home. Despite this, a substantial percentage of women have one or more hobbies, and participate in these hobbies more frequently than men do. More women have lost their spouse and live alone. Moreover more women than men have experienced periods of loneliness.
The report also shows that in 2007 in general the elderly are in better health, mentally and physically, and have less help at home than was the case in 1997. Furthermore the report also indicates that well-being, being mentally and physically fit, and exercise are all factors that reduce the probability that the elderly will need help in the future.
The report draws on the Ældredatabasen (database of the elderly), which is a longitudinal study. So far, the report has included three rounds of in-depth interviews conducted in 1997, 2002 and 2007. This report deals with the elderly from the database who are 67, 72, 77, 82 and 87 years old.
The report has been commissioned and financed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration.