The Over-85s of Brugge.

The article presents a survey among over 85 years old in Brugge in Belgium with regards to their needs and perceptions of their own situation in an effort to give an essential background on the Brugge social service scene. The enquiries concentrated on the different areas of interest, including demographic features, living conditions, the degree of self-sufficiency, the extent of social participation and their perceptions of well-being, of health and of income. The survey found that respondents have a very positive outlook on their health and generally display a positive attitude of mind. The dependence on care seems to have a great influence on the emotional well-being of those aged 85 and over ad living alone in the Brugge.