Authors

• Åbo Akademi University
• Novia University of Applied Sciences
• Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences
• Åland University of Applied Sciences
• Umeå University

Keywords

COVID-19, ageing, care of dependants, elderly, health, hobbies, interpersonal relations, old age, participation, quality of life, well-being (health)

Abstract

The data includes a survey collected by the Gerontological Regional Database (GERDA), which has mapped the health and living conditions of Finnish people aged 65 and over. The themes of the survey include activities, civic engagement, social contacts and well-being.

First, respondents reported on their social contacts and their use of the internet. Next, respondents were asked what activities they do and would like to do, and whether the pandemic has affected their activities. They were then asked about being an informal carer and about their financial situation.

Next, respondents assessed the society's attitude towards older people, and their own perception of their age. Respondents reported on their voting activity and their trust in various social institutions and people in their immediate circle. Respondents were asked to describe the characteristics of the area where they live and their views on welfare technologies. Finally, questions were asked on health, well-being, quality of life and functional capacity.

The background variables in the data are gender, age, mother tongue, region of residence, and highest level of education.