LIVING ALONE IN THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE: THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC SUPPORT ON THE INDEPENDENCE OF OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Aging of the population and the growing preference for privacy and independence make older adults living alone one of the fastest-growing segments of the population. However, data suggest that a substantial segment of this population, especially women whose spouses passed away or who experienced late-life marital dissolution, often suffers greater financial hardship than persons living in family households. Public support for older adults can alleviate the financial strain of living alone in the community, but as of yet we have a limited understanding of its availability and impact across countries. In this study, we analyze data for 19 European countries from the 2011–2015 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, and for the United States from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study to compare cross-national income and wealth profiles of the 60 and over population living alone. We fit logistic regression models to assess cross-national differences in the likelihood of living alone by income and wealth groups, and multilevel models to estimate the impact of public support on living alone. The results show that the likelihood of living alone is higher in generous welfare states, and measures of social spending and support have positive impact on it. Simultaneously, the link between personal economic resources and living alone has a smaller positive gradient in countries with robust welfare systems. We discuss the results in the context of policies that support older adults living alone and draw lessons for the United States and other countries.