Aging and Unmet Daily and Instrumental Activity Needs in Turkey: Sociodemographic, Socioeconomic and Health Determinants

Turkey's aging population and rising care needs highlight the urgency of addressing unmet needs in daily and instrumental activities (I/ADL). Using nationally representative 2016 Turkish Health Survey data, this study examines the prevalence of unmet I/ADL needs and associated risk factors among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and older. Findings reveal a high prevalence of unmet needs, particularly for bathing, shopping, and housework. Unmet I/ADL needs are most common among older adults who are women, not married, more advanced in age, have lower education levels, lack pension income, live with chronic illnesses, and report poor health. High unmet I/ADL needs reflect broader gaps in care provision for older adults living in the community, necessitating reforms in institutional and home and community-based services, pension and financing mechanisms, and workforce capacity to ensure equitable service provision. These findings underscore the need for equitable, culturally responsive solutions to inform sustainable care frameworks for Turkey and similar familialistic societies.