ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a holistic approach to the dependency risk in the social protection system. It focuses on the availability of and the eligibility conditions for access to the systems of social protection, taking into account the living conditions of the dependent elderly. The chapter concentrates on the social protection elements, situated however within the complete set of provisions of private character. It aims the social protection arrangements which are available in the European Union Member States and Norway for dependent elderly people above normal retirement age and in need of long-term care. An alternative methodology starts from a sample of the older population, sketching their socioeconomic situation, and especially their dependency situation and the care systems available to them. The impact of the ageing of the population on social protection will be felt in the level and scope of the health and social services, as well as in the expenditures for and financing of the pension schemes.
