Unmet Social Care Needs among Adults Aged 50 and over with Disabilities in Spain: Understanding Inequalities in an Ageing Society

Pilar Zueras , Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics
Mariana Calderón-Jaramillo, Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics

This study examines the prevalence and determinants of unmet social care needs among adults aged 50 years and over with disabilities in Spain, a country facing rapid population ageing and increasing longevity gaps in health. Using data from the 2020 Survey of Disability, Personal Autonomy and Dependency (EDAD), we adopt a multidimensional definition of social care needs that encompasses sensory, cognitive and social, and physical and daily-living disabilities. Unmet needs for personal assistance are assessed from both an absolute perspective (no support received) and a relative one (insufficient support). Weighted descriptive analyses and multinomial regression models are used to identify the demographic, socioeconomic, and disability-related factors associated with unmet care needs. Results show that around 60% of adults with disabilities report needing personal assistance, and nearly one in four experience unmet care needs. Women are 1.5 times more likely to experience absolute unmet needs and are therefore disproportionately affected, as are those in the oldest age groups. Having multiple disabilities increases the likelihood of experiencing relative unmet needs, whereas higher levels of education, income and cohabitation reduce this risk. Living with a partner specifically protects against absolute unmet needs, but not relative unmet needs. These findings reveal persistent inequalities in access to adequate care services, highlighting the dual burden faced by individuals with disabilities who lack sufficient support. The study highlights the urgent need to reinforce Spain’s long-term care system and adapt it to the 'new realities' of ageing populations, ensuring equitable and sustainable support for all.

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 Presented in Session P6. Health, Mortality, and Ageing 2