[Health and standard of living of the elderly population, with special reference to elderly physicians]

The standard of living among the elderly has been the subject of several studies carried out among Norwegians. Morbidity and health complaints are more common among the lower socioeconomic classes and the elderly than in other population groups. Wealth and good living conditions have a positive effect on health and well-being. The income gap between the working and retired population has diminished. Among the elderly good health and social relationships are rated among the most important components for a good standard of living. Mortality is lower among physicians than in most other groups of professionals. There are greater possibilities for physicians to continue working after the standard retirement age and more than half of them wished to do so. A feeling of well-being is more common among elderly physicians than among the elderly in the general population, whereas the opposite is the case among young people.