THE POSITION OF THE ELDERLY IN THE WELFARE-STATE - COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON OLD-AGE CARE IN SWEDEN

The ''graying of populations'' in the advanced industrial countries has created increasing concerns among policy makers. In Sweden, the proportion of the aged has increased very fast. Because Sweden is known as an advanced welfare state, it is of interest to look at its efforts to deal with the problems of the aged. This article presents information on the economic, social, and health situation of the elderly and discusses the development of institutional and home care for the elderly in Sweden. Where available, comparative data are used to place Sweden in an international perspective.