The approach to care among older people living alone in Lithuania

Abstract

The Lithuanian context of an increased need for care in old age is framed by the demographic trends, such as population aging, the intense emigration of younger generations, and a significant proportion of older people living alone on the one hand, and on the other the strong support represented by filial duties in respect of care and insufficiently developed social services. How do older people experience and handle the situation? This paper uses qualitative interviews (N=27) to analyze the preferences and experiences of care among older people living alone in Lithuania. Based on the study findings, older people seek to maintain their agency under all circumstances related to care, and informal support is appreciated as providing more such options. Formal social services are rejected for reasons including distrust, the lack of social skills, or the cost and insufficient accessibility of such services.