The elderly women living in single-person households: a regional characterization from the 2010 Census

Abstract

This paper analyzes the regional differences regarding the life conditions of Brazilian elderly population, specifically at elderly women living in single-person households, according to the data obtained from the 2010 Census. These women have very peculiar characteristics, and this research seeks to identify differences and inequalities among them observed from their place of residence. For this, we used as reference the five major regions of the country, the Federative Units considering also the distinction between rural and urban areas. We used as analytical variables information relating to their income, among others. It was also estimated an index to evaluate the physical and mental difficulties of the observed population, which combines in a single indicator the intensity of the deficiencies reported by each respondent from the V0614, V0615, V0616 and V0617 variables of the Census. Appling data processing statistical resources, it is possible to confirm significant differences among elderly women living alone according to their place of residence. We also used geoprocessing capabilities that allows better view of the inequalities and regional specificities identified.