Living arrangements among the older population: Constraints, preferences, and power

This chapter focuses on the older end of the life course to investigate the determinants of nonfamily living arrangements and of status within more complex households. The basic structure of living arrangements among the older population in the United States includes living alone, joining or being joined by others to extend families, combining with friends and acquaintances, as well as living with spouse. Few data sources contain refined measures to tap the constraints, preferences, and power associated with the living arrangements of the elderly. The impact of ethnic origins will also be examined by investigating the effect of foreign birth on living arrangements patterns. The next set of influences on the living arrangements of older persons focuses on the feasibility of living alone. There are clear indications from the data that there are resource and health constraints on the living arrangements of the older population.