As Cheaply as One: Cohabitation in the Older Population

Abstract

This study examines the prevalence of cohabitation [in the United States] observes trends in cohabitation between 1960 and 1990 and investigates the conditions leading older persons to cohabit. An indirect strategy is used to measure cohabitation as a result of a validation study of approaches to its measurement. The trend analysis with Public Use Microdata Samples finds 2.4% of unmarried persons age 60 and older cohabiting in 1990 up from virtually 0% in 1960. By 1990 there were 407000 elderly cohabitors compared with 9600 in 1960. Cohorts with considerably higher levels of cohabitation will shortly enter old age. Variables measuring individual characteristics economic motivations and the social context are used to predict cohabitation. (EXCERPT)