Abstract:
This study examines the living arrangements of the elderly because they are affected
by the changing role of the family and in turn such arrangements can have an impact
on the well-being of the elderly. As the population in Sri Lanka ages, issues surrounding
support and care of the elderly population need attention. Different types of living
arrangements can place pressure on demand for formal and informal support systems
because of competing demands for scarce resources. This paper explores the changes
in the living arrangements of the elderly and factors influencing such changes and their
effects on the well-being of the elderly. The sample of this study consisted of both the
urban and rural elderly population. The simple random sample technique was used to
select 300 elderly persons based on their living arrangements. This study found that a
substantial proportion of the elderly live in their own home but with adult offspring. In
addition, many offspring move away from their parents' home after marriage and tend
to live in close proximity. The study further found that more elderly women than elderly
men live alone and the majority of them are widowed because of the higher life
expectancy of females over their male counterparts. Moreover, a significant proportion
of the elderly living alone or living with a spouse encountered difficulties because of
not having children to take care of them as they age. It was also revealed that having a
larger number of children gave a higher chance for the elderly to co-reside with
offspring. This study further found that co-residence has eased the financial burden of
the elderly. In terms of expenditure on health, it was found that those in poor health
seem to be co-residing, especially with an adult offspring in their own home, and they
tend to be involved in more social activities because of the support of their co-residing
offspring.
