BU Bulletin Poll: Multigenerational Living

March 2, 2009

With whom do you live?

	18-49	50+	Overall
Alone, by myself	5%	23%	13%
My spouse or partner	57%	56%	57%
My child or children, less than 18 years old	45%	10%	30%
My child or children, more than 18 years old	12%	19%	15%
My grandchildren	<1%	4%	2%
My parents	26%	7%	18%
My in-laws	7%	2%	5%
My siblings	20%	5%	14%
Friends	3%	3%	3%
Roommates	6%	2%	4%

How likely is it that you may need to move in with another family member or friend, or that they may need to move in with you, this year?

	18-49	50+	Overall
Extremely likely	3%	2%	2%
Very likely	4%	4%	4%
Somewhat likely	9%	9%	9%
Not very likely	22%	23%	22%
Not at all likely	60%	60%	60%

If likely, why do you think this move may be necessary?

Birth in family	3%
Death in family	9%
Change in marital status	5%
Change in job status	19%
Loss of income	34%
Gain in income	10%
Change in health status	18%
Home foreclosure	8%
Another reason	13%
Don’t know	2%
Refused	5%

Has such a move occurred in the past six months?

	18-49	50+	Overall
Yes	14%	8%	12%
No	86%	92%	88%

If a move of this type became necessary in the future, on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being “not at all comfortable” and 5 being “extremely comfortable,” how comfortable would you be living with additional friends or family members?

	18-49	50+	Overall
Extremely comfortable	17%	10%	14%
Very comfortable	15%	12%	14%
Somewhat comfortable	28%	26%	27%
Not very comfortable	13%	16%	14%
Not at all comfortable	26%	34%	29%
Don’t know	<1%	1%	1%
Refused	<1%	<1%	1%