Household arrangements of elderly persons in Brazil: analyses based on the national household survey sample (2009)

Abstract

Introduction Increased longevity and, consequently, a rise in the number of elderly persons in Brazil, has an effect on different sectors, especially family living arrangements. Objective To analyze the socioeconomic profile of the family living arrangements of the elderly using PNAD micro-data (2009). Method A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study using PNAD micro-data (2009) was performed. The elderly family living arrangements that constituted households in Brazil were analyzed. Results: The results indicated that the most representative arrangement was a couple who lived with their children and other relatives, followed by single parent units and couples with children. The head of household in most of the arrangements featuring a couple with children and other relatives was a man, while in one-person, single parent and mixed arrangements the head of household was more likely to be a woman. Conclusion Decisions regarding the type of family arrangement are attributed not only to the elderly individual and his or her family, but are the result of historical, sociocultural, political, economic and demographic factors, which may positive or negatively interfere with the quality of life of elderly persons.