Working with complexity in later life: co-occurrence of physical, mental/emotional and social needs across SHARE countries

Purpose This study aims to examine the co-occurrence of physical, mental/emotional and social needs among people aged 65 and over across SHARE countries. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data from SHARE Wave 9 were analysed for 41,437 respondents with complete information on three standardised need indices. Pearson correlations assessed associations between dimensions. Upper-quartile scores identified high need in each domain, enabling calculation of accumulated need and cross-country comparisons. Chi-square tests and Cramer’s V assessed territorial variation. Findings All three dimensions were positively associated. The strongest correlation was between physical and mental and emotional needs (r = 0.427), followed by mental and emotional and social needs (r = 0.273); the association between physical and social needs was weaker (r = 0.137). Overall, 19.3% of respondents had high needs in at least two dimensions and 4.6% had high needs in all three. The proportion with two or more high-need dimensions ranged from 5.9% in Denmark to 32.9% in Lithuania and Latvia. Country differences were statistically significant but modest in magnitude (Cramer’s V = 0.115). Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design precludes causal inference and upper-quartile thresholds represent relative rather than clinical need. Practical implications Integrated assessment should combine functional, psychological and social indicators to identify older people whose needs may remain hidden within sector-specific services. Originality/value The study provides updated comparative evidence on the simultaneous accumulation of physical, mental and social needs across 28 countries using harmonised SHARE data.