Multi-Gen Living Keeps You Young & Connected
A common example of multigenerational living is when older parents move in with their children or children and their families move in with their parents. While this living arrangement is very common in Asia and the Middle East, it is slowly catching up in other Western countries and Australia too.
Benefits of Multi-Generational Living
Moving in with your children and their families or your extended family under one roof may trigger feelings of anxiety and fear in some while to others, it is a happy occasion. Like any decision you make in life, choosing multigenerational living can have its benefits and drawbacks. Some benefits of multigenerational living include:
Shared financial expenses
Maintaining two households can be expensive, especially with a young couple who is trying to save money and an old couple trying to save their earnings. Multigenerational living turns out to be cheaper and the expenses of living can be shared between the two generations living under the roof. Reduced rent and mortgage costs turn out beneficial for everyone involved. If you are concerned about your finances post-retirement, it may be a good idea to opt for intergenerational living.
Additional help at home
Juggling work, and household chores can be extremely draining and tiring. Multigenerational living gives everyone additional help at home. The chores and responsibilities can be divided, giving everyone some breathing space during the day. For elders and retirees, it is a good way to help their children take care of their kids, while for some older adults, having help around the home is a blessing!
Bonding time with grandkids
The bond between grandparents and grandkids is special even though they are separated by an entire generation. Multigenerational living allows this bonding and so, is a preferred living arrangement in many communities across the world. If you enjoy spending time with your grandkids, multigenerational living is an exciting opportunity to do so!
Help in babysitting
Having an elder generation at home allows young parents to leave their kids with them sometimes. Older adults enjoy taking care of their grandkids and it keeps them occupied throughout the day. If you feel your children need help babysitting, offering to move in with them can be a good decision for you and them.
Reduced costs of assisted living
Many older adults and those close to retirement save up a huge chunk of their earnings to pay for assisted living in the future as it can be expensive. Living with children or extended family can reduce the cost of assisted living for older adults and guarantee good quality of care with their near and dear ones.
Strengthen relationships
Multigenerational living can help strengthen the existing bonds in families. As grandparents, you can be great role models for your grandchildren. It is a good opportunity for you to learn about the latest in the world from your children and grandchildren. Multigenerational living develops bonds of love and creates a healthy environment at home. It also helps to reduce the loneliness that many Seniors tend to develop as they grow older.
Increased family safety
Living in a multigenerational arrangement is also extremely safe for you and your family. With multiple generations living under one roof, the house is rarely ever unoccupied and there is always someone to look after young kids and elderly members of the family.
Tips for Successful Multi-Generational Living
While multigenerational living is a growing trend among people in Australia, here are some tips that can be handy to make this living arrangement a successful one:
Understand all the pros and cons of multi-generational living
Both partners must accept the trade-offs and mutually agree to live with your children. There are bound to be cultural or generational-gap issues but you must know how to diffuse such situations without ruining relationships. You must also accept any adjustments that you may have to make to your existing lifestyle.
Finding quality time with your partner is important
Whether you are a couple moving in with your children or your children are moving in with you, you must always find quality time to spend with your partner even in a multigenerational living arrangement.
Respect boundaries
Living under one roof, no matter how big or small the house is, you are bound to bump into each other more than a few times during the day. However, to make multigenerational living successful, everyone must respect each other’s boundaries.
Takeaway
Before you decide to choose multigenerational living with your family or children, take time to decide if this living arrangement is the right one for you. Speak to all those involved and determine what makes you happy. Multigenerational living can be very fulfilling for older adults as they get to live their childhood and adulthood through their future generations.
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