Aging In Place Multigenerational Living: A Trending Option 4/14/2023 | By Sara Neklason Seniors with adult children may wonder if multigenerational living could be an option for them. This living situation has become more common, so Seniors Guide offers an overview and tips for adults sharing a household. The “Leave It to Beaver” type of family has added characters to its daily episodes. While the two-generation household – parents and minor children – seemed to be the growing norm in modern life, the trend has reversed since the 1970s. Instead, multigenerational living is growing, which can open new possibilities – and challenges – for families looking for ways to stay connected and share resources. What is multigenerational living and what are its benefits? Multigenerational living describes households that include two or more adult generations or a “skipped generation” of grandparents and their grandchildren. While the nuclear family blossomed from 1950 to 1970, the number of Americans living in multigenerational family homes has decreased four-fold. Some of this increase is due to young adults living under their parents’ roofs, but the change also affects grandparents raising grandchildren and aging parents moving in with their adult offspring. Reasons for choosing to share a household include financial, elderly care, and traditional reasons. Financial relief Sharing living expenses can serve as a protective measure against poverty and provide a safety net for those who are at risk of becoming homeless. On the flip side, some families use the opportunity for young adults to save money initially, so they can launch later with greater income and savings. Elderly care The pandemic, longer life expectancy, finances, and shifting cultural norms have contributed to the growth multigenerational living for providing elderly care. Twenty-five percent of adults in multigenerational living situations state that caregiving is part of their home life. Tradition and connection Many cite tradition as a reason for living in a multigenerational household, especially among cultures where this is a more common practice. Fortunately, more people have become open to this option. Humans naturally crave connection, and multigenerational living contributes to building that connection. For our elderly, it helps assuage the loneliness and isolation that is often associated with aging and with the mental and physical issues that arise from loneliness. Related: The effects of loneliness on senior health Tips for living in a multigenerational household Living in a multigenerational household has its pros and cons. Here are some tips to ensure the best experience in multigenerational living: Ensure a practical floor plan A multigenerational household can lack privacy, with more people sharing the home. If you’re looking for a new home to accommodate multiple generations, look for a floor plan where all members of the household have their own space. If you’re bringing a family member into an already-existing home, arrange spaces that encourage privacy. Open floor plans, multiple bathrooms, and large kitchens are among the amenities that work well for multigenerational settings. In-law suites have long been a popular option, with a small separate stand-alone apartment for aging parents. Establish boundaries and family roles To avoid conflict, establish boundaries and family roles up front. Unspoken expectations can quickly derail a pleasant living situation. Living in the same house does not mean there should be a lack of boundaries, especially if the inhabitants are all of adult age. Instead, have an honest conversation prior to move-in that provides clarity to all parties involved. How will the bills be split? Who will cook the meals? How will chores be handled? These are all questions that begged to be asked – and should be asked before any conflict arises. Avoid caretaker burnout Taking on the responsibility to care for elderly parents is a rewarding task that isn’t always easy. Be sure to incorporate opportunities for self-care and recharging to avoid caretaker burnout. After all, a stressed caregiver is not an effective one. Taking the time to recharge benefits you and the care you provide in the long run. A fulfilling opportunity Multigenerational living is a longstanding tradition that provides many benefits for those who choose it. Financial benefits, emotional support, and generational bonding are just a few of the many reasons why this lifestyle is gaining popularity. When considering multigenerational living, focus on finding the right living arrangement that works for your family and caters to the unique needs of your loved ones. Prioritizing these factors can help ensure that you and your family can enjoy the benefits of multigenerational living to the fullest. Read More Sara Neklason Sara Neklason is a skilled content writer and marketing specialist in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With a passion for creating compelling content, Sara’s experience in the multifamily and property management industry offer a unique perspective to her writing.