Social resources of persons over 60 years of age. Its relationship with sociodemographic and health factors (ANCO project)

To evaluate the social situation of the over-60s and its relationship with several social, demographic and health variables. A descriptive, crossover study. City of Córdoba. Systematic random sampling of the non-institutionalised population over 60 obtained 1,103 subjects (N = 49,674). The multidimensional OARS-MFAQ-VE questionnaire was filled in during face-to-face home interviews. The part of the questionnaire evaluating social resources (SR) was analysed, extracting information on the quantitative, emotional and material support factors. The subjects were classified into three groups by their social situation. 14.1% (CI = 12.7-16.4) lived alone and 7.2% (CI = 5.8-8.9) thought that they would not have help available in case of illness or incapacity. The present study described the social situation of our elderly people and found a considerable number suffering serious to absolute deterioration. The role of the spouse, the children or some friend or trusted person is vital for good social support.