Patterns in living arrangements and familial support for the elderly in the Philippines

This study examined living arrangements of the elderly in the Philippines. Data were obtained from the 1996 Survey on the Near Elderly and Elderly, among a nationally representative sample of 2285 persons aged over 50 years, and 1131 aged over 60 years. Findings indicate that 5.5% of the elderly lived alone, 7.9% lived with a spouse only, and 9.8% lived with persons other than a spouse or children. 28.4% lived with single children, and 28.5% of elderly persons and couples lived with 1 or more ever-married children. 13.4% of persons and couples lived with never- and ever-married children. There were more rural people who lived alone. Among those living alone, a high proportion were separated or divorced women. About 1 in 4 elderly believed that the widowed should live alone. About 1 in 3 believed that a widow should live with a child. About 40% of married persons believed that the best arrangement was living by themselves, even though few did so. The elderly living with a child tended to own the house. 69.2% coresided with a child, and 76.8% coresided or lived next door to a child. Coresidence with a child was unaffected by the number of living children. Coresidence increased with age and was more common among males, married, and urban residents. 28.6% lived with a single son and 21.7% lived with a single daughter. More parents received money from a non-coresident child. The proportion of parents who gave money to children was lower than the proportion who received money from children. 92.5% of the elderly cared for a grandchild. A large proportion of elderly both accepted the concept of homes for the aged and would live in an institutional setting.