Living arrangements of older persons in Southeast Asia: Trends, patterns and determinants

Using census data this paper aims to: 1) compare the trends and patterns of living arrangements of the older persons in Southeast Asia to see if there are significant similarities and differences that transcend the diversity of this region; and 2) examine the factors affecting their living arrangements. Living arrangement is a good indicator of family support to the older persons because with whom the older persons live reflects the residential dimension of their family life and is an important social context of their day to day lives. This was categorised into: (1) one person household; (2) nuclear household; (3) extended household; and (4) other household classification.

Living in an extended household remains the most predominant type of living arrangement among older persons in Southeast Asia, although the trend has been declining over time. In contrast, the proportion living in a one-person and nuclear household has been on the rise in these Southeast Asian countries. Moreover, more women than men live in a one-person and extended household while more of the latter than the former reside in a nuclear household. Finally the proportion living in an extended household varies by age, marital status, level of education and place of residence.