Living Arrangements and Well-Being in Old Age: Gender Perspective in European Regions

Luule Sakkeus, Estonian Insitute for Population Studies, Tallinn University
Liili Abuladze, Estonian Institute for Population Studies, Tallinn University

Several life events shape living arrangements in old age, but their course and effects may differ by gender and region. Due to improvements in women’s education, health, and labor market engagement since the 20th century in Europe, more women have had the opportunity to live alone. Health improvements have led to more couples living together longer. Socio-economic position (SEP) in childhood and adulthood can impact well-being in later life, however, their role in modifying living arrangements' effects by gender is less understood. The main objective of this study is to explore how SEP affects the association between living arrangements and well-being across European regions by gender. Using SHARE wave 7 data, the analysis examines well-being across seven European regions, focusing on people aged 65+ living alone, living as a couple, or with others (N=42,146). Results indicate that living as a couple or as a couple with others is associated with the best well-being among women in Southern Europe, CEE and Francophone countries. Living alone, especially among women, is associated with significantly better well-being compared to other arrangements in South-Eastern Europe and Germanic regions. Only for the latter two regions, SEP affects gender differences in well-being by some living arrangements.

Keywords: Families, Unions and Households, Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations, Gender Dynamics, Population Ageing

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