The Role of Demographic Factors in the Institutionalization of the Elderly

This study, based on data from the 1980 census, is concerned with clarifying the relation of demographic factors to institutionalization of the very old. Particular scrutiny was given to the role of close kin, especially spouses and children, as explanatory variables. Factors significantly associated with institutionalization, as determined through a logit regression model, included the absence of a spouse, the absence of a child, advanced age, and the presence of a disability. Marital status was a more significant factor for males than for females in determining institutionalization.