How many seniors live with family and what are the trends?

Oct 22, 2025 3 min read •

Senior Living family caregiving Multigenerational Households

While roughly 28% of older adults living in the community lived alone in 2023, data indicates an increase in multigenerational living over the past several decades. This trend has been influenced by a combination of financial factors, shifting social norms, and the need for care, all of which play a role in answering the question, "How many seniors live with family?".

Quick Summary

A growing share of the U.S. population resides in multigenerational households, with older parents moving in with adult children for companionship, financial support, and caregiving. The arrangement offers benefits and challenges for everyone involved and is influenced by economic circumstances and cultural background.

Key Points

Growing trend: Multigenerational living in the U.S. has quadrupled since the 1970s, reaching 18% of the population in 2021.
Demographics: Rates of living with extended family are higher among Hispanic, Black, and Asian Americans, as well as foreign-born residents.
Financial drivers: Rising costs of housing and long-term care make pooling resources a significant motivator for many families.
Caregiving needs: As seniors age, moving in with family provides a built-in support system for companionship and assistance with daily activities.
Benefits and drawbacks: The arrangement offers increased companionship and lower costs, but can also lead to reduced privacy and caregiver stress.
Advanced age: Multigenerational households are more common among the oldest seniors, particularly those over 85.
Planning is key: Open communication and pre-established boundaries are crucial for a successful and harmonious transition.

The Shifting Landscape of Senior Living Arrangements

For most of the 20th century, the percentage of older Americans living with family declined as social programs like Social Security and Medicare enabled greater independence. However, this trend has reversed, with multigenerational living increasing significantly since the 1970s. Recent data shows that a record number of Americans are now living in multi-generational homes.

This shift is driven by a mix of factors, including economic pressures and the rising costs of housing and long-term care. The financial benefits of pooling resources can be substantial, and for many, living with family is a practical alternative to more expensive options like assisted living. Beyond economics, there's a resurgence of social and emotional motivations, with families seeking stronger bonds, companionship, and a built-in support system.

Trends in Multigenerational Living

Several key trends illustrate the dynamics of seniors living with family:

Higher prevalence with age: While a significant portion of older adults live with a spouse or partner, multigenerational living becomes more common with advanced age, particularly for widowed or single seniors.
Racial and ethnic variations: Multigenerational living is more prevalent among Asian, Black, and Hispanic Americans compared to their White counterparts. This often reflects cultural norms and differing family structures.
Foreign-born demographics: A higher percentage of foreign-born Americans live in multigenerational households than those born in the U.S., which is also influenced by cultural traditions.
Regional differences: Geography plays a role, with Western states in the U.S. showing higher rates of multigenerational living than the Midwest.

Comparing Multigenerational and Independent Living

For families considering how many seniors live with family, weighing the benefits and drawbacks is essential.

| Aspect | Multigenerational Living | Independent Living / Senior Community | Pros | Cons | Financials | Reduced housing costs, shared expenses, and lower overall cost compared to long-term care facilities. | Higher costs for housing and services; requires significant personal savings or income. | Emotional Support | Increased companionship, strengthened family bonds, and reduced loneliness. | Potential for social isolation, though senior communities offer structured social activities. | Privacy | Reduced privacy for both seniors and adult children, which can cause strain. | Greater personal privacy and independence. | Caregiving | Built-in support system for day-to-day assistance; requires significant time and energy from family caregivers. | Professional care staff handle medical needs and daily tasks, relieving the burden on family. | Physical Safety | Provides a safer environment with immediate assistance for those with mobility issues or cognitive decline. | Designed with safety features and on-site staff for emergencies. | Intergenerational Engagement | Opportunities for children to learn from grandparents and for seniors to stay connected with younger generations. | Limited opportunities for daily intergenerational interaction within the household. | Flexibility | Less freedom for both seniors and adult children, as care needs and schedules must be coordinated. | Greater freedom and autonomy for the individual senior.

Considerations for a Successful Transition

When a family decides to welcome a senior relative into their home, clear communication and careful planning are vital to minimize stress and ensure a positive outcome for all involved. Establishing clear expectations regarding finances, privacy, and responsibilities upfront can prevent future disagreements. For some seniors, particularly those with complex medical needs or advanced cognitive decline, a more structured environment like a senior living community may ultimately be the best option.

Conclusion: The Future of Multigenerational Living

The rising number of seniors living with family in the U.S. reflects a complex interplay of financial necessity, changing family dynamics, and emotional desires for closer bonds. While this trend presents challenges related to privacy, caregiving burdens, and family strain, it also offers significant benefits such as increased companionship and financial stability. As the population continues to age, multigenerational living will likely remain a popular and important housing solution. Families who are prepared to navigate the practical and emotional complexities together are most likely to find success in this arrangement. For further insights into the demographics and trends, a Pew Research Center analysis offers extensive data on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to a 2022 Pew Research Center analysis, 18% of the U.S. population lived in a multigenerational household, a number that includes many seniors. Data from The Washington Post in 2023 also showed that roughly half of Americans aged 85 and older live with family, including in multigenerational homes.

After a long period of decline, the number of seniors living with family has risen significantly since the 1970s due to several factors. These include economic challenges like rising housing costs, cultural reasons, and the desire for mutual support and companionship.

Neither option is universally better; it depends on the family's specific circumstances. Living with family can be more cost-effective and emotionally supportive, but it may sacrifice privacy and increase stress for caregivers. Senior communities offer privacy and professional care but at a higher cost.

Living with family can significantly reduce housing and healthcare costs. However, it can also create financial strain for caregivers who may need to reduce work hours or incur out-of-pocket expenses.

Cultural norms heavily influence living arrangements. For example, multigenerational living is more common in many Asian, Black, and Hispanic communities, often influenced by traditions of filial piety and strong family ties.

Challenges often include navigating reduced privacy for everyone, potential strains on relationships, emotional stress and burnout for caregivers, and differences in opinion on important issues.

Success hinges on open and honest communication. Key steps include setting clear expectations for finances and responsibilities, maintaining balance between independence and support, and proactively addressing emotional challenges and disagreements.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.