<p>“I think what is important is that the younger generation’s growth and development isn’t inhibited by the living arrangement and a state of permanent dependence emerges. But younger people can move toward psychological and financial independence and maturity, even if they share a roof, and it needn’t show up at some predetermined age.”</p>
<p>I think starbright summed it up for me; I have aunts who lived with my grandparents forever. As I saw it, growing up, they were all adult families, whereas ours had children and adults. Respect is key.
It was not so unusual for our neighbors to have similar situations in their extended families. I returned after college and stayed until I married; I have one sib who returned home for a while after a divorce and another who had a couple of career changes and didn’t save enough to buy a place until 48.
My parent’s had the best deal; they never had to close up the place when they traveled and were out of town both times a fridge died (along with all the formerly frozen meat inside).
Now my parents have moved into a continuing care community, and at 78 and 79 are true empty nesters.</p>