[Health status, functional prospects and use of medical and social services by the elderly living in St. Petersburg].

The sharp increase of absolute number and share of the aged population in St. Petersburg requires changes in the medico-social service provision for the elderly. IPSE survey study was realized in 2000 in St. Petersburg under support of the Tacis Bistro Facility of the European Commission (The findings, conclusions and interpretations expressed in the article are those of authors and should not be taken to reflect the policies or opinions of the Europian Commission). The aim of the survey was to analyse health status, functional ability and use of medical and social services by the 60-89 aged elderly of the city and to identify the groups of elderly population in the most need of help. According to the results of the IPSE survey study, there is a significant number of elderly people who are not able to live independently at home without other people's help (approximately 97,000 elderly people in St. Petersburg who need assistance in daily living). The group of elderly people with considerably declined functional abilities should be a priority in planning the elder care services. For this group intervention programmes need to be developed. Providing the elderly with sufficient home help services fosters their independent living and allows the elderly to live longer at own home. To live at home is often the best choice for both the elderly and also the service system due to lower costs.