Loss of autonomy among older people in France: why are there regional differences?

This article seeks to understand the regional differences in the prevalence of loss of autonomy: are they social in nature, linked to the financial or geographical accessibility of medical and social care services, to regional mobility, or to other regional factors? Data from two surveys – ‘Daily Life and Health’ (VQS) 2014 and EHPA 2015 – have been combined to model loss of autonomy using a multilevel analysis. These are supplemented by contextual data characterising the departments. The author finds that regional differences primarily reflect social differences and life expectancy, but that they also result from the level of care provided.