How do an extended family's living arrangements
change in response to the changing
needs of different generations? As children
grow up, they often move away from parents to
establish their own family. Parents, too, may
move away from children to a retirement home.
As parents grow ill or disabled, they move closer
to their children once again.
With whom do most older people live?
Most older people prefer independent living, and
most live in their own homes. High rates of
home ownership among the elderly obscure differences
by race and ethnic origin. African-American and Hispanic elderly are less likely to
own their own homes than whites. Gender also
influences living arrangements. The majority of
older men live with a spouse, but older women
are more likely to live alone.
Although in the United States adult children
do not typically live with their parents, most
maintain regular and frequent contact with
them. These relationships are important for the
parents’ physical and mental health. Parents
who have close relationships with their children
are less likely to be depressed or lonely.
However, in many other countries children
are expected to care for their aging parents,
and cultural patterns dictate intergenerational
households.
What kind of housing do older people
have, and what housing problems do they
face? Although most older people live in sound
and affordable housing, some reside in old
homes that need repair or that have environmental
barriers that make them unsafe. A deteriorating
living environment can have a
negative effect on physical and mental health.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of
shared housing, board and care homes,
and assisted living facilities? The concept of
supportive housing refers to a range of alternative
living arrangements that combine housing
with long-term-care services. Supportive housing
arrangements vary considerably in quality
and affordability. Shared housing is an arrangement
that pairs older people in various settings
with others who need housing. Board and care
homes provide a supportive living environment
for people who cannot live on their own. Board
and care residents are often poor and sometimes
have developmental disabilities or psychological
problems. Assisted living facilities provide many
of the same services as board and care homes, but
they cater to a more affluent clientele. They provide
small apartments that include private baths,
recreational facilities, and individualized care.
What is a continuing care retirement community,
and what is life in such a community
like for an older person? Continuing care
retirement communities provide a continuum of
housing alternatives ranging from independent living
to nursing home care. People move into
CCRCs to maintain their independence. Research
shows that most residents of most CCRCs
adjust quickly and remain healthier than counterparts
who remain in the community.
