A longitudinal study integrating population, care and social services data. The Swedish National study on Aging and Care (SNAC).
OBJECTIVE
A large, national, long-term, longitudinal, multi-purpose study has been launched in Sweden--the Swedish National study on Aging and Care (SNAC). The study involves four research centers collecting data in four different areas of Sweden.


METHODS
The study consists of two parts: the population part and the care and services part. In the population part, a large, representative panel of elders in different age cohorts is followed over time to record and describe the aging process from different aspects. In the care and services part, a systematic, longitudinal, individually-based collection of data is performed concerning provision of care and services together with functional ability, specific health care problems, and living conditions of the recipients living in the area.


RESULTS
The data collection in the population part of the SNAC is not yet completed. In the present article, some preliminary results are reported from the care and services part. These pertain to comparisons between the participating areas with respect to the prevalence of disability among those receiving care and social services in their ordinary homes and those receiving care in special accommodation. A comparison is also presented with regard to the amount of home help provided to subjects with a given disability.


CONCLUSIONS
This project has several advantages. It is expected to generate a rich data base relevant for future research on aging and care and to have a direct impact on the future Swedish system of care and services for the elderly.
Lagergren
Mårten
M
Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden. marten.lagergren@aldrecentrum.se
Fratiglioni
Laura
L
Hallberg
Ingalill Rahm
IR
Berglund
Johan
J
Elmståhl
Sölve
S
Hagberg
Bo
B
Holst
Göran
G
Rennemark
Mikael
M
Sjölund
Britt-Marie
BM
Thorslund
Mats
M
Wiberg
Ingvar
I
Winblad
Bengt
B
Wimo
Anders
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D012947:Social Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology