Socio-Economic Conditions of Elderly Persons Receiving Assistance in Galați County

Abstract

The relationship between socio-economic status and morbidity/mortality can be observed both within a country and through comparisons between countries. Other studies have shown that the number of family members is important, as it influences the socio-economic conditions of the household. The situation of elderly people, which is the focus of this research, is more particular compared to that of the younger population, given the morpho-functional changes that occur in the body with advancing age. These changes may lead to dependence on those around them, and therefore society has the obligation to ensure them a life as dignified as possible. Population ageing has consequences not only for medical care but also for the social protection of the elderly. The elderly population is the demographic group with the highest degree of reliance on medico-social assistance, mainly because chronic degenerative diseases are predominant among them. This situation leads to an increased consumption of specialised medical and social care, each elderly person having on average 2–3 chronic conditions.