In this study two sample groups of very old people report on needs for care among their parents. We report on who gave the care and if parents were institutionalized. Information on social class, preferences for care for oneself, etc., was also collected. Comparisons with contemporary data indicate that patterns of care remain historically quite stable, and that experiences of providing care influences one's own preferences many years later. The welfare state seems to have increased the freedom of choice for, especially, the poorer elderly.