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

The housing situation as well as the extent of isolation and loneliness
of older women living alone in selected large cities in the FRG.

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.