Elderly care

Sweden invests more of its gross domestic product (GDP) in its elderly citizens than most countries in the world, making it a good place to grow old. The elderly represent a growing part of the population, and many are in good health and lead active lives. Most live in their own homes.

In 2008 life expectancy in Sweden was 83 years for women and 79 years for men. The retirement age is 65 but nowadays, many people over 65, continue to lead productive working lives. Since older people in Sweden are increasingly healthy, many travel, do sports and take an active part in public life.

A number of welfare systems ensure that older people are able to lead normal, independent lives. This includes living in their own homes for as long as possible, where they have access to public support, including home meal delivery, help with cleaning and shopping, as well as transportation service.

The elderly are also offered health and social care, provided either by the municipal home-help services, or by the home medical care service. In certain areas, the elderly themselves are allowed to choose whether they want their home help or special housing to be managed by public or private operators.

A growing number of the elderly in Sweden choose to live in senior housing, which consists of ordinary homes for people over 55. In such homes, accessibility is a priority. A small percentage of those over 80 live in special housing, where staff members are on duty day and night for around-the-clock care. Such housing is need-based and distributed by the municipalities.