Gender Gap in Unmet Need for Care in Later Life: The Moderating Role of Social Deprivation

Szenkurök, V. & Weber, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7873-0458 (2026). Gender Gap in Unmet Need for Care in Later Life: The Moderating Role of Social Deprivation. Health & Social Care in the Community 2026 (1) e3358797. 10.1155/hsc/3358797.

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Abstract

This study contributes to the inconclusive discourse on gender‐related differences in unmet needs for personal care by unveiling the moderating role of social deprivation among older adults in Europe. Using a uniquely comprehensive index including 12 items on poor living conditions, lack of (digital) literacy, neighborhood deprivation, exclusion from social relations, and basic access to healthcare services, our results based on data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) across 15 countries in 2015 reveal that social deprivation, alongside potential material deprivation, is a key factor associated with an increased risk of unmet care needs among older women. By recognizing the multidimensionality of social deprivation, the findings highlight how lacking social participation among women is associated with greater challenges in advocating for and meeting their needs in older age, underscoring the urgency of targeted policies to mitigate disparities and create age‐friendly environments for both men and women.

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