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Income and living arrangements among poor aged singles
Social Security Bulletin
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Income significantly impacts living arrangements for unmarried seniors. While financial changes can alter housing situations, the ability to self-care remains the strongest predictor of where older adults live.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Economics
Background:
- Income is a key factor in determining living arrangements for unmarried older adults.
- Many elderly individuals reside with family or friends due to financial constraints preventing independent living.
- Limited research exists on how income *changes* affect the housing choices of the elderly poor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlates of living arrangements among unmarried older welfare recipients in 1973.
- To investigate the impact of income change on these living arrangements in 1974.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized logit analysis to model household changes.
- Data from unmarried older welfare recipients in 1973 and 1974 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Logit analysis revealed distinct patterns of household change linked to income increases and decreases.
- The capacity for self-care emerged as the most significant predictor of living arrangements in 1974.
Conclusions:
- Financial changes influence the housing decisions of unmarried, low-income elderly individuals.
- Self-care ability is a critical determinant of living arrangements for this demographic, potentially outweighing financial fluctuations.