Household Structures in Later Life: Cohort Trends and Social Inequalities

• In Event: 20403 - Aging in the Context of Gender and Sexuality

Abstract

This study examines the temporal dynamics of household arrangements among older adults in the U.S., focusing on how gender, race, and class intersect to shape household structure patterns over time. Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (1992–2022) and employing sequence analysis methods, we identified 10 distinct clusters of household structure for adults aged 51 to 68. The findings reveal that over half of the sample maintained stable household structures, such as living with a spouse or alone. However, 39.7% experienced unstable household sequences. Partnered cohabitation constitutes a form of privilege, particularly for White men, as they occupy a position at the intersection of gender, racial, and socioeconomic advantages. In contrast, nonwhite women are more likely to experience unpartnered household structures (living with children to living alone, and only living with kin and children), often accompanied by lower socioeconomic status. Black individuals, both women and men, are more likely to live alone. Hispanic and other racial/ethnic men are the least likely to live alone. Living alone pattern exhibits cohort-based differences, shaped by historical and structural factors. These results highlight how intersecting social categories contribute to variations in household stability and the broader implications for aging populations. The study emphasizes the need for policy interventions addressing the vulnerabilities of older adults facing unstable living conditions.

Authors

• Huimin Zhang, University of Florida

• Won-tak Joo, University of Florida

• Jiahui Lyu, University of Florida