Changes in household composition among the over sixties: a longitudinal analysis of the Health and Lifestyles Surveys.

Analyses of longitudinal data from the Health and Lifestyles Surveys (HALS) were carried out in order to examine the household changes of older people. Respondents who were interviewed at both the first HALS survey in 1984/85 (HALS1) and the second survey 7 years later (HALS2) and were aged 60 or over in HALS1 were selected (1156). Changes in household composition between the two surveys were examined and the relationship of these changes to socio-demographic factors and to both cross-sectional and longitudinal health factors investigated. Results of the analysis showed there was great diversity of experience and a considerable amount of change in what is often considered a fairly stable and homogeneous section of the population. Almost one-third of respondents changed household type, the majority changing to live alone and only a small proportion changing to live in households with their child/children or with others. Household changes were associated with poor and declining health (both physical and mental) and the rate of change was found to increase with age. In the case of ill health the first source of practical support and care is generally from within the household. Where this is not available it is sought from the wider community or the state. An increase in the proportion of the population aged over 60 and in the numbers of the oldest people, coupled with a rate of household change that increases with age, means that demand on health and community services can only be expected to increase.