Susan Geffen’s Featured Article from her e-Newsletter Magazine, Nov 2012

Multigenerational Households

According to U.S. Census Bureau, the number of multigenerational households has grown by 60% since 1990.  

 The Pew Research Center has reported that one in eight Americans between the ages of 40 and 60 is now caring for a parent at home. This is partly attributable to the recent economic downturn that has affected both baby boomers that see failing pensions and higher healthcare costs as well as college graduates who cannot afford their student debt and housing.  

 There are cultural reasons for this demographic trend as well. There is an increase in the numbers of Latino and Asian households in the United States - both native-born and immigrant, who have been culturally indoctrinated into traditions of caring for young and old in multigenerational settings.

And then there is love. In this month's video (above), you have an opportunity to see a family, ages 8-80 that are doing so for love; the pure and beautifully simple desire to be in it together. Each member of this family in their own way expressed that living to together has enhanced family bonds and relationships. Importantly, studies that have demonstrated that older adults who engage with children have numerous positive outcomes, including decreased depression, better health, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

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