Factors influencing financial strain on elderly people who live alone in the U.S.A.

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors influencing financial strain experienced by elderly persons living alone. Data for this study were drawn from a national survey conducted by Louis Harris and Associates, Inc. in 1986 at the request of The Commonwealth Fund Commission on Elderly People Living Alone to obtain a picture of the resources, problems, needs and preferences of elderly Americans who live alone. For this study, a path model was tested by using multiple regressions. Demographic factors (gender, age and race) were statistically significant factors indirectly influencing financial strain through one economic factor (income) and one health-related factor (physical limitations). Economic factors (income and health insurance coverage) and one health-related factor (physical limitations) were statistically significant factors directly influencing financial strain.