Ageing in Austria: An overview of “Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe” (SHARE) with special focus on aspects of health

Abstract

After a short introduction to the “Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe” (SHARE) we present results for Austria focusing on different aspects of health. Among Austrians aged 50 and above—especially at higher ages—strong gender-specific differences are observed for physical health, mental health and disabilities. Older persons getting help due to difficulty with IADLs and/or ADLs mostly receive the assistance that meets their needs. Social support is rather common. On the one hand, three out of ten older persons reported that they personally or their spouses or partners have received help from any family member, friend or neighbour outside the household during the past twelve months. On the other, one out of four persons aged 50 and more reported to have given help to others. Children living outside the household provide an essential support for their parents. The network of the older persons is rather diverse, especially of those living alone.