Abandon de l'existence indépendante au cours du vieil âge*

Abstract

Though much attention has been given during these last years to the biological and psychological aspects of aging, changes which occur in living arrangements have been somewhat neglected. What are the factors which motivate people to modify their living conditions in the later years and, especially, why do they apply for admission to institutional group housing? Is it because of their incapacity for independent living or because of changes in the external circumstances of their lives to which they have some difficulty adapting? We interviewed 445 persons aged 65 and over who had been admitted recently in institutional group housing in Montreal. Using an instrument worked out in Great Britain by Townsend, we found nearly 50 per cent would have been able to look after themselves independently. In order to measure the capacity of individuals for leading an independent life, we investigated the extent to which they were able to perform various simple tasks required for independent living. The ratio mentioned above varied significantly according to sex, age, and to previous living conditions. Women seemed to be more handicapped than men and the percentage of the incapacitated increased with age. However, in the 65–69 age group the percentage of handicapped persons living independently was higher than in the two subsequent groups, indicating that this age group displays more flexibility in adapting to external changes. The main reason for admittance to institutional group housing is physical or mental incapacity. It is interesting to note that the proportion of incapacitated persons (mostly widowed women) having lived with their family was quite low as compared to the proportion of those who lived independently. Elderly persons raised in the rural traditions of Quebec, however, seem to underestimate the difficulties involved when three generations live together and often go to live with their children after their spouse dies. The only solution if difficulties arise is to apply for admittance to an institution, since the irreversibility of the aging process prevents returning to previous living arrangements. Two tentative conclusions have been reached. Firstly, old people do not give up independent living simply because of their diminishing capacity to take care of themselves or their need of extensive care, but because they are striving for more security. Secondly, institutional group housing in Montreal is as yet less specialized than expected for receiving people in need of various kinds of care.