Three generational living has been viewed differently in Australian society across time and culture. While some groups have consistently supported this as a desirable and proper way to conduct family life, over the past fifty years leaving the family home, has increasingly been viewed by others as a marker of the achievement of adulthood and mature independence. However, this is changing with multigenerational households increasing by 22% between 2016 and 2021 with 1 in 5 Australians now living in this way.
Why Now?
Two factors appear to be responsible. The first is economic with the cost of living and especially that of housing having escalated dramatically. Sharing both accommodation and everyday expenses allows families to live in areas and enjoy additional pleasures they may not be able to afford on their own. The second is an ageing population with 17% of the population over 65 in 2024, an increase from 12% a few decades earlier. Services are increasingly strained for both home and residential care, and many older people and their children are concerned about quality and reliability
What is the Upside?
Where this can be managed well there appears to be significant benefits for all ages. At a practical level older parents can share household chores and childcare responsibilities and provide valuable support where both parents work. While there is limited research about specific health benefits there is evidence that older people who live with others may have a lower risk of mortality. Dr Suraj Samtani, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney suggests this may be due to the benefits of strong social connections which reduce stress which can lead to chronic inflammation which is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Social contact is also protective against depression which is associated with excessive alcohol consumption and poor diet.
Multigenerational living is also beneficial for children, with studies demonstrating better cognitive functioning in old age for those who had grown up this way. One explanation is that grandparents provide different conversations which builds up cognitive reserves or different ways of thinking that are thought to be protective against dementia in later life.
Grandparents can be a source of advice and support for both grandchildren and parents, and it is rare for everyone to be angry with a child at the same time. For children this means there is always a haven.
And the Down?
Three generational living also brings relational challenges which if left to fester can cause significant distress and risk of fracture. For older people noise, faster pace and lack of privacy can be difficult and create points of conflict. Parents’ failure to respect their adult children’s autonomy in child rearing and lifestyle can also be difficult. Unresolved issues from the past can also continue to reverberate through the relationships.
In Conclusion
Multigenerational living brings many benefits and some hazards. Clear and respectful communication, mutually agreed boundaries and processes for effective conflict resolution can make this a positive experience for all. Where more troubling matters from the past continue to affect relationships, family therapy for all three generations can be highly beneficial.
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