20% of the Austrian population is older than 60 years. The special problems and demands of elderly people are the emphasis of modern social politics. Specially targeted social politics requires valid information and a broad knowledge on the living conditions and personal circumstances of these elderly citizens. Of course, there is statistical data and numerous research papers on elderly people. The numerical dimension of the age-problem is known; thanks to Mikrozensus, information on the living conditions of elderly people is available. However, little is known about the main problem of ageing: the shrinking contact with the environment and the danger of isolation in the last years of life.

Probability: Stratified: Proportional

Face-to-face interview