Older parents who live with or near their adult children may face higher levels of depressive symptoms, according to a new study examining intergenerational proximity and mental health. The research, conducted by ISS researchers Lisa Jessee and Karsten Hank, analysed data from the Health and Retirement Study spanning 14 years and suggests that living arrangements involving close proximity or shared housing with adult children can have unintended psychological consequences for ageing parents. The findings were published in the journal Social Science Research.
The study challenges the common assumption that greater intergenerational proximity provides emotional and practical benefits to older parents. Instead, findings indicate a more complex relationship between living arrangements and mental well-being. Researchers found that while some parents experiencing depressive symptoms became more likely to move closer to their children, the overall effect of increased proximity, particularly when it involved shared housing, was linked to a worsening of their depressive symptoms.
The study considered three potential mechanisms underlying this relationship. The first, termed the “mobilisation effect”, suggested that parents with greater depressive symptoms might seek closer proximity to their children for support. But this effect was found to be minimal, with only a slight increase in proximity for parents experiencing depression. The second, the “social support mechanism”, hypothesised that living closer to children would alleviate depressive symptoms by fostering greater emotional and physical support. Yet, the findings offered little evidence that this was the case.
Instead, the most compelling evidence supported the “social breakdown effect”. This theory posits that co-residing with adult children, particularly in situations where the children have returned home due to financial difficulties or other challenges, can exacerbate stress and strain for older parents. The study found that living with adult children had a significant association with increased depressive symptoms, particularly among white parents and fathers.
“Our study shows that providing adult children with housing alternatives beyond their parental home during critical life transitions is essential. Yet, we must not overlook the need for accessible mental health services for older parents, who often bear the emotional costs of these shifts. A comprehensive approach addressing both needs is key to enhancing family wellbeing,” says Lisa Jessee.
The reasons for this effect may be multifaceted. Parents who share a home with their adult children may experience greater financial and emotional burdens, particularly if their children are unemployed or struggling. In many cases, the expectation of support from adult children does not materialise as expected, leading to frustration and a sense of unfulfilled needs. At the same time, co-residence can lead to conflicts over autonomy, daily routines, and financial responsibilities, all of which can contribute to higher stress levels and declining mental health.
Interestingly, the study also highlighted variations based on demographic factors. White parents were more likely to experience negative mental health effects from co-residence, while nonwhite parents did not show the same pattern. This difference could be attributed to cultural expectations around family living arrangements, as some cultures may have a more ingrained tradition of multigenerational households. Fathers were also more affected than mothers, suggesting that traditional gender roles might play a role in shaping how co-residence impacts mental health.
The findings suggest that policymakers and families should reconsider assumptions about intergenerational living arrangements. While living near adult children may be beneficial in some cases, it is not a guaranteed source of emotional support and can, in some instances, lead to greater psychological distress for older parents. Future research could explore interventions that mitigate these negative effects, such as structured support networks or policies aimed at reducing financial strain on co-residing families.
