Statistically: Do parents generally live longer if you live with them, or apart from them?

Question

Some stats would be most helpful, but would appreciate considered / evidenced opinions too, even the circumstantial type. :-)

Answer 1

I can't give you respectable scientific evidence, Goodfella, only my own belief based on observation and personal experience.

It seems to me that old people living with their children can somehow 'sponge off' the energy of the young people.
When the old ones go into sheltered accomodation or a 'home' the kids often get a new lease of life, while the old people deteriorate more rapidly.

Like I say, that's just my observation, (both as a therapist and as a son and son-in-law), it really carries no scientific weight.

Jon C

Answer 2

This is complicated by the fact that parents (people) live much longer than they used to and there are shifting patterns of family life. How do you get a good measure when kids start living at home into their 30's instead of leaving at about 20 as they did 20 years ago and parents "retire" at 65 only to find that their 85 and 90 year old parents are needing to move in with them?
Once upon a time families stayed within shouting distance of each other with 3 generations learning and helping raise kids, but people had a much smaller chance of reaching 65.

Answer 3

This is complicated by the fact that parents (people) live much longer than they used to and there are shifting patterns of family life. How do you get a good measure when kids start living at home into their 30's instead of leaving at about 20 as they did 20 years ago and parents "retire" at 65 only to find that their 85 and 90 year old parents are needing to move in with them?
Once upon a time families stayed within shouting distance of each other with 3 generations learning and helping raise kids, but people had a much smaller chance of reaching 65.

Answer 4

Well I think if parents have company they don't get depressed as someone living on the own especially the older generation. So I guess they would live longer or at least have a better quality of life.

Answer 5

From a parental point of view,I think we would probably live longer if we do not have the worry,mess,and extra expense of having our beloved (grown up) children living with us. However,if you are talking about us going into care or being looked after by our children, then probably we would live longer.

Answer 6

I totally agree with exfilekel. When parents live with their children, lots of love, care and time are spent on them. This way, if anything is amiss, it will be caught and dealt with at an early stage. I would think that all parents would be generally be happier if their own kids take care of them....provided their children are not a financial strain on them.

Answer 7

statistics dont necessarily point to the truth. it may be that in the section of society from which the surveyors selected the test subjects, parents live longer if with their children.

but of course, the love and care a child would give the parents is very important

Answer 8

I wouldn't live with my children if they paid me. They would bore me to death. Now a couple of good pals once or twice a week is a different kettle of fish, although I do prefer my own space most of the time. I suppose its a matter of what you've got for children.

Answer 9

I think they live longer when you live with them. It is hard for any adult to admit they need help or even admitor recognise when things are starting to go downhill. When you live with them, there is a certain level of protection they get. You can prevent falls/accidents, make sure they get to the doc when needed and watch their nutritional status, etc.

Hope this helped....

Answer 10

From research into identical twins, the measure of our lives appears to be built in, so our parents will live to a great age if their parents did. (A simple guide.)

Can we know why you want this info?