Tom Murphy
RedwoodAge.com
That Depression-era image of three generations living under one roof is making a comeback as the US faces its worst economic downturn since the 1930s.
A just-completed survey found 11 percent of people over 50 are already living with their parents or grandchildren, and 11 percent of "boomerang" adults 35-44 are shacking up with parents or in-laws. A third of them said the loss of income was forcing them to double up.
Those numbers are likely to rise this year and perhaps next if the economy continues to stagger, as many economists feel it will.
It's a dramatic turn in a country where each generation prides itself on becoming independent. Prior to the Great Depression, young families tended to move off on their own. That ended temporarily during the Dust Bowl years, but resumed after World War II, with the Greatest Generation - those now over 65 - taking refuge in America's shiny new suburbs.
Now, the days of multigenerational households are making a quick return, according to AARP's survey, which included 1,002 people.
"The recession is having an impact on people of all ages, and the effects are starting to be felt at home," said Jim Toedtman, editor of AARP Bulletin. "We see more people living under the same roof as their parents and their adult children. As Americans face tougher economic conditions, we'll likely see more of this."
Sharing a household may make sense, especially for boomers heading into retirement who lack the financial resources to pay sky-high rents or keep up with unpaid mortgages.
Many boomers have been exploring cohousing as an alternative, sharing a community with like-minded people. Typically, those projects provide separate living units while sharing community rooms, kitchens, garages or other facilities.
Home Sweet Home
The AARP survey found 33 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 49
living with parents or in-laws. And 4 percent of those over 50 have
grandchildren in the house.
About 15 percent said it was likely they'd soon be living with family members or friends, with about a third of those saying it was because of a loss of income. Another 19 percent blamed a change in job status and 8 percent said foreclosure was the reason.
And it isn't just younger people who need help. Among boomers, 8 percent of those 45-54 need help, 9 percent of those 55-64, and 7 percent of those over 65 - a total of 24 percent of those over 45.
For many, this isn't something they want to do. Forty-three percent said they were not very comfortable, or not at all comfortable, with such arrangements.
House Rules
AARP offered nine suggestions for those considering such a move:
Prepare your home. Make sure your home accommodates people of different ages.
Prepare your family. Ask family members to talk about the change.
A sense of place. Living space should be divided so that everyone feels they have their own place.
Separate lives. Everyone should have a sense of indepdendence, chances to rest or to see friends.
Getting groovy. Routines help everyone get into a groove, including one-on-one time and private time.
Play dates. Grandparents and grandchildren should set up time to build on their relationships, freeing parents for other tasks.
No sandwiches. Parents should get avoid stuck in a position where they're serving both older and younger household members. Seek help from a caregiving group, if needed.
Be Real. There are limits to noise, furniture and demands on individuals. Recognize and respect them.
Memory making. Sharing stories, preserving photos and recording family stories on tape can help create memories that will be treasured in the future.
