Do community-dwelling adults aged 70 and older have someone to rely on for help when needed? A Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT)

Independent living among older adults is a global political goal aimed at reducing government spending on health and care services. This study investigates the prevalence of having someone to rely on for help when needed among community-dwelling adults aged 70 and older.

The study sample comprised population-based data from 24,289 adults aged 70 or older participating in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4). Standardized prevalence of having someone to rely on for help if needed in total, and from family, friends, or neighbors was estimated using Trøndelag county as the standard population. Prevalences were additionally stratified by gender, age, living situation, activities of daily living (ADL), and utilization of home-based services.

Standardized results showed that overall, 97.3% reported having someone to ask for help if needed, of whom 92.5% relied on family, 31.7% on friends, 23.1% on neighbors. The youngest men living alone had fewer to rely on compared to those living with others. Moreover, living alone was associated with relying less on family and more on friends and neighbors. Factors associated with relying on family members were female gender, younger age, cohabitation, no ADL problems, and no home-based services. Along with education, these factors also correlated with relying on friends for help.

Nearly all those aged 70 and older in Norway have someone to ask for help, which is positive for aging in place policies. However, those living alone, especially men, are at a higher risk of not having anyone to rely on for help when needed.