[Social inequality and health care among the aged]

In this article the association between social inequality and selected aspects of health care among the aged is analysed. Analyses are based on German data (release 1) of the 'Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe' (SHARE) in 2004. Data from 1921 respondents aged 50 years or more are analysed. Three indicators of social inequality are used (education, income, and financial assets). In terms of health care, indicators of geriatric assessment by the general practitioner of the respondent (questions about balance, physical exercise, and drugs as well as examination of balance and weight control) and secondary prevention (mammogram, endoscopic examination of colon, eye examination) are included. Results of cross-tabs and logistic regression analyses show that geriatric assessment is less comprehensive among people in a comparatively high socioeconomic position. On the other hand, people in a higher socioeconomic position use screening examinations more often than those in a lower position. Inconsistency of results indicates the necessity to distinguish different areas of health care when analysing social inequalities. Moreover, results indicate that no simple answer can be given to the question whether and to what extent social inequalities in health among older people can be explained by inequalities in medical care.