In this work one explores gender differences in family arrangement and its relation to the health status of men and women over 65, taking into account socio-demographic and socioeconomic variables. Data were collected through a National Household Survey in 1998 that included a special supplement on health. Several logistic regression models were run for two dependent variables: health self assessment and report of chronic conditions. The explanatory variables (urban/rural area, age, per capita income, illiteracy, family arrangement, and household condition) were incorporated in a sequential way to assess changes in the relationship. It was found that, although women report more chronic conditions, there is a relative similarity in health self-assessment for both women and men. Gender differences in family arrangements patterns are partially responsible for the poorer health status of women. Health policies oriented to the older people must take into consideration the existent of important gender differences in family structure and family arrangements. There is a need of more detailed information on Brazilian household surveys as to disentangle the relationships between the older people´s health, gender and family.
Gender; Elderly; Health status; Family arrangements; Socioeconomic conditions
