Changing living habits

HERE in Spain people’s living arrangements are changing dramatically, most of it not out of choice. On the one hand, a recent survey has shown that half the single occupation households in the country, about two million, are pensioners and about 40% of those are over 80. On the other side of the coinless young people are living alone and instead are staying with their parents, with over 53% of 25 to 34-year-olds still at home. This latter figure is one of the highest in the world and the overwhelming reason is lack of money and work rather than a desire to still have someone do your laundry and cook your meals. The elderly living alone also brings issues as people fall ill or lose mobility. However, this is primarily to do with social changes and more dependence on the state rather than the family, as well as increased longevity.