It also indicates that less dependent people, who would in the past have been admitted to nursing homes and hostels, are now being cared for in the community 2,3 . The majority of older people require no assistance to maintain their independence. This cannot be explained entirely by the different age structures of the older male and female populations. The trend is at all ages above 60. It may be due to the higher proportion of older women who live alone, particularly home owners, to the higher rate of severe and profound handicap among older women, and to the generally greater reluctance of men to seek assistance.
Many older people are themselves providers of assistance.
Annual Report 1994-95 . 6 Davison, B. et al. Older People talk about their Homes AGPS, Canberra . Program Performance Statements 1993-94 .