The point and shoots will slow the shutter down to compensate for low light as would any camera on automatic settings. Next time you take a photo, try putting your subject next to a window during a bright day. Not a window with direct light coming through though. To be clearer; use a window on the north side of your house when the sun is to the south. You will get a nice soft bright light and won't need a flash.

Here is an example of improvised softbox (studio photography term) lighting from a window without direct light, no sun beams shining in.