Old women's self perceptions of dependency and some implications for service provision.

Fifty women aged 75 years or older who were living alone were visited to determine their self perception of dependency. There was a wide variety in reported capacity for self care but two patterns are isolated: those who were active initiators with a self perception of independence and passive responders with a perception of dependence. Service providers should take cognisance of the woman's self perception in the effective delivery of services.