Just over half the over-75s in the Netherlands who live in their own homes say they experience physical difficulties in doing so, according to a new report for the national statistics office CBS.

Walking up stairs and doing heavy household jobs account for most of the problems, the CBS says. Women are more likely to have physical problems than men.

CBS researchers asked people if they found any problem with carrying out simple tasks, such as getting in and out of bed and getting dressed, using the telephone and taking medicine.

The government wants the elderly to live at home for longer, with the help of family and friends. Only people with very severe problems are now entitled to residential care.

In 1995, 17% of the over-75s lived in residential care but by last year this had fallen to 10%.