Socio-demographic, psychosocial and health characteristics of Norwegian senior centre users: A cross-sectional study

Aims: The senior centre is the only welfare service in Norwegian elder care serving both fit and less functional pensioners over 65 years. The aim of the study was to determine the socio-demographic, psychosocial and health characteristics of users of the senior centres in relation to non-users in order to find out who can benefit from the senior centre service. Methods: Data was collected from the Population Register for all persons living at home over 65 years in two municipal districts in Oslo. A random sample was drawn limited to 4,000 of the total number of residents over 65 years, 2,000 from each district. Questionnaires were sent by post. The response rate was 64% (n = 2,387). Psychological ailments were assessed using Hopkins Symptom Checklist-10 and social support with Oslo-3 Social Support Scale. Results: The percentage of users was 44 among the survey respondents. Age was the most significant variable explaining use of the senior centre; increased age led to greater use. Single women used the s...