[Living conditions of the rural population in France. Situation in 1974 and evolution from 1967 to 1974 (author's transl)].

A survey of the living conditions of aged people in rural regions of France in 1974 and a comparison with the previous surveys of 1967/68 in 302 rural vallages are analysed. Of the 4,800 persons in 1967/68, by 1974 1,609 were dead (35%). After questioning the 2,191 living persons (1,275 farmers and 916 non farmers) an increased number of widowed people appeared in those 7 years. For men in 1967/68: 20%, now 28%; for women in 1967/68: 61%, now 72%. In the age group 75-79 three times more women lost their husbands than men lost their wives. 2/3 of the households remained identical, 1/5 became smaller, 1/8 increased. The comparison (excluding the dead persons) showed no significant differences in the health conditions. Detailed questions were asked regarding social relationships but it is very difficult to analyse the date due to the great number of dead persons. The difference between farmers (whose number decreases) and non farmers (whose number increases) is especially mentioned and specific problems are treated separately. In France ageing in rural areas is increasing rapidly: in 1968, 393 rural counties contained 20% of people aged 65 or more.