Vârsta a treia între autonomie şi vulnerabilitate [The Third Age Between Autonomy and Vulnerability ]

In the contemporary world, because of the aging of the population, the diminution of the weight of the active population and of the contributors, the states have more and more difficulties to assure the minimal income and decent conditions of life for the retired people. In these conditions, the prolongation of the period of autonomy of the elderly, the finding of solutions, in the family or in the care institutions, in order to reduce their vulnerability, appear as stringent necessities. The present article synthetize the results of a research regarding the quality of life of 570 persons in the County of Cluj. A questionnaire with 63 questions and a set of 30 interviews permited the accumulation of important information regarding the sources and quantum of the incomes, the alimentation, the health status and the acces to the health services, the conditions of life, the satisfaction of the quality of life, the relationship with the family a. s. o. The interpretation of these data leads to interesting conclusions concerning the difference of life between the persons at home and those institutionalized, the categories of needs on age groups, the needed actions in order to assure an equilibrium, support and help for the aged people – as fundamental duties of the family and of the society.



Keywords: old persons, autonomy, vulnerability, at home, institution