Older adults living alone: demand analysis for social and health services

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the socio, demographic, economic, living and health conditions, social support and care of elderly people who live alone. Method: Cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach through an interview with a semi-structured questionnaire with the elderly. A univariate analysis was used based on the chi-square test, multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis using a non-hierarchical procedure. Results: There was statistical significance between the variables sex (p=0.013), marital status (p<0.001), financial head of the family (p<0.001), contribution to family support (p=0.038), indebtedness (p=0.034), Kidney disease (p=0.009) and all social support and care variables (p≤0.05). Four groups were found in which older elderly people have comorbidities (pulmonary and respiratory disease) and need help regularly, men have more support and women are more independent for support. Conclusion: This diagnosis of the situation of the elderly who live alone supports the implementation of public support and care policies.