Abstract
Background: The understanding of the complex relationship between the home environment, well-being and daily functioning in the third age is currently weak. The aim of this paper is to present the methodological background of the Home and Health in the Third Age Study, and describe a sample of men and women in relation to their home and health situation. Methods and Design: The study sample included 371 people aged 67–70, living in ordinary housing in the south of Sweden. Structured interviews and observations were conducted to collect data about objective and perceived aspects of home and health. Results: The majority of the participants were in good health and had few functional limitations. Women had more functional limitations and reported more symptoms than men. Environmental barriers were found in every home investigated; the most were found in the kitchen and hygiene area. Environmental barriers were more common in multi-family than in one-family dwellings. Discussion: This study will increase our knowledge on home and health dynamics among people in the third age. The results have potential to contribute to societal planning related to housing provision, home care and social services for senior citizens.
Highlights
It is widely known that the world’s age composition is radically changing towards a higher proportion of older people than ever seen before [1]
For the present study we used a definition based on personal characteristics, where the fourth age is characterized by frailty, cognitive decline and functional loss, and the third age by independence, social engagement and good health
The third age is represented by individuals recently retired from work, but the fourth and third ages are dynamic in the sense that they cannot be defined by specific age ranges
Summary
It is widely known that the world’s age composition is radically changing towards a higher proportion of older people than ever seen before [1]. In Sweden 19.1% of the population are 65 years old or older, and this proportion is expected to increase to 25% by 2060 [2]. Different stages of the aging process can be defined in terms of the fourth and third age [3], in terms of population or personal characteristics [4]. For the present study we used a definition based on personal characteristics, where the fourth age is characterized by frailty, cognitive decline and functional loss, and the third age by independence, social engagement and good health. Maya Kylén 1,*, Henrik Ekström 1,2,†, Maria Haak 1,†, Sölve Elmståhl 1,2 and Susanne Iwarsson 1 † Third Age Study, and describe a sample of men and women in relation to their home and health situation. Structured interviews and observations were conducted to collect data about objective and perceived aspects of home and health
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