The Social Situation of Older Women Living Alone in Large Cities in the Federal Republic of Germany

Topics: Housing conditions; residence furnishings; size of residence; rent costs and housing benefit; satisfaction with residence; length and evaluation of life alone; reasons for moves; actual and desired contacts with children and neighbors; evaluation of social contacts; contacts with young people; assistance from friends or family members in household; isolation and loneliness; personal person to confide in; difficulties of living alone; description of one´s state of health; number of visits to the doctor and hospital stays; help in case of illness; index of need of help; knowledge of help services for older people; leisure activities; having a pet; membership in clubs or organizations; visit to old people´s day centers; media usage; possession of a telephone; interest in paid employment; assets and sources of income; conduct in financial difficulties; alcohol use; religiousness.

Scales: general contentment with life; understanding of sex roles and contact desires. Demography: age (classified); marital status; school education. Interviewer rating: length of interview; presence of other persons; judgement on residential area.