ABSTRACT. The issue addressed in this chapter is how differences in informal and formal care received by older women with similar levels of health can be explained by material and immaterial resources. Data were used pertaining to 1600 women aged 55-85 years in various parts of the Netherlands. Self-perceived health variables appeared to be the most important correlates of care received. In excess of these, only material resources explained some variation in care received. Women in more rural towns received more help. Also, women with higher education levels received more care. Marital status or living arrangements did not affect care received. Equally, personality characteristics did not differentiate between women with respect to care received.
