Socio-demographic, psychosocial and health characteristics of Norwegian senior centre users: a cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
The senior centre is the only welfare service in Norwegian elder care serving both fit and less functional pensioners over 65 years. The aim of the study was to determine the socio-demographic, psychosocial and health characteristics of users of the senior centres in relation to non-users in order to find out who can benefit from the senior centre service.


METHODS
Data was collected from the Population Register for all persons living at home over 65 years in two municipal districts in Oslo. A random sample was drawn limited to 4,000 of the total number of residents over 65 years, 2,000 from each district. Questionnaires were sent by post. The response rate was 64% (n = 2,387). Psychological ailments were assessed using Hopkins Symptom Checklist-10 and social support with Oslo-3 Social Support Scale.


RESULTS
The percentage of users was 44 among the survey respondents. Age was the most significant variable explaining use of the senior centre; increased age led to greater use. Single women used the senior centre more than married women while single men used it less than married men. Other predictors for women included osteoporosis, memory impairment and participation/interest from others. Memory impairment was a predictor for men.


CONCLUSIONS
High age and specific health problems led to increased use. Living alone predicted greater use among women but less use among men. The association with age could not be explained through socio-demographic, psychosocial or health variables.
Bøen
Hege
H
Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Mental Health, Department of Surveillance and Prevention, Oslo, Norway. hege.boen@fhi.no
Dalgard
Odd Steffen
OS
Johansen
Rune
R
Nord
Erik
E
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D009664:Norway; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D012946:Social Welfare; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires