For generations, it was perfectly normal for grandparents, parents, and children to share one home. Grandparents helped raise grandchildren, adult children cared for aging parents, and everyone contributed to the household in different ways. There’s been a long history of intergenerational living but somewhere along the way, American culture shifted toward greater independence, with many families living separately.

That trend is changing.

Across our country, more families are embracing intergenerational living; households where two or more adult generations live under one roof. While rising housing costs and inflation have most certainly played a role, many families are discovering that living together offers something money can’t buy: stronger relationships, shared purpose, and support through every stage of life. Reports say over 66 million Americans (1 in 4) live in multigenerational homes today, making it one of the fastest-growing housing trends in the United States.

The decision isn’t always driven by necessity. For many, it’s an intentional lifestyle choice that allows families to spend more meaningful time together while sharing responsibilities and creating lasting memories. The reports are strongly favorable, as shared by one recent survey on the trend. And for those who can make it work, it just makes good sense!

Why More Families Are Living Together

Every family’s story is different, but several common reasons are fueling the growth of multigenerational households. A recent report from Pew Research states that financial issues top the list of reasons for this trend, but there are other reasons and those can be different for every family.

Rising Housing Costs

Buying or renting a home has become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for many young adults and growing families to afford housing on a single income. Sharing a home allows families to split mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and other household expenses.

Childcare Support

Quality childcare is expensive, and often difficult to find.

When grandparents are healthy and willing, they can become one of the family’s greatest resources. Whether it’s helping get children ready for school, watching grandchildren after school, or simply being present when parents are working, grandparents often provide reliable support that strengthens family bonds while reducing childcare expenses.

For children, the benefits extend far beyond convenience. Studies have shown that strong relationships with grandparents can provide emotional security, teach family traditions, and help children develop empathy, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for older generations.

Caring for Aging Parents

Many adult children also want to ensure their aging parents remain safe, connected, and supported without immediately moving into a care setting. Living together can make it easier to assist with transportation, medication reminders, meals, household chores, and companionship while allowing older adults to maintain a sense of independence.

More Time Together

Sometimes the biggest benefit isn’t financial at all. Many families simply enjoy being together. Many people who grew up with grandparents nearby remember family dinners, stories passed down through generations, shared holidays, and everyday moments that became lifelong memories. Today’s families are rediscovering those experiences, the powerful impact, and how they still matter.

The Benefits of Intergenerational Living

Research also suggests that intentional multigenerational living can reduce social isolation for older adults while benefiting children’s educational and emotional development. When everyone works together, multigenerational households can create tremendous advantages. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Lower overall household expenses
• Reduced childcare costs
• Shared caregiving responsibilities
• Less loneliness for older adults
• Stronger relationships across generations
• Greater emotional support during life’s challenges
• Opportunities for children to build meaningful relationships with grandparents
• Peace of mind knowing loved ones are nearby

It Isn’t Always Easy

Extended family living together also comes with challenges and acknowledging them honestly is important. This is a big one: privacy may be limited. Different parenting styles can create tension. Household chores may become unevenly distributed. Financial expectations aren’t always clear. And family members often have different routines, personalities, and communication styles.

None of these challenges are impossible to overcome, but they do require planning and open conversations before problems arise. The important thing is to consider if the benefits outweigh the potential downsides, and if those downsides can be overcome with a bit of work. It’s no different than moving in with a roommate or a new spouse, there is some adjustment that must take place.

Tips for Making It Work

Families who thrive in multigenerational homes often share one thing in common: they establish expectations early.

Give Everyone Their Own Space

Private bedrooms are ideal, but personal retreats don’t always require expensive renovations. Everyone benefits from having a place to recharge.

Consider simple updates such as:

• Creating a small sitting area in a bedroom
• Using room dividers or bookshelves to separate spaces
• Adding a mini refrigerator or coffee station
• Giving grandparents a dedicated TV or reading room
• Installing better lighting and comfortable seating

Talk About Boundaries

Discuss expectations before moving in together. Writing these agreements down may feel formal, but it often prevents misunderstandings later.

Topics might include:

• Household expenses
• Parenting roles
• Quiet hours
• Visitors
• Meals
• Chores
• Transportation
• Caregiving responsibilities

Think About Safety

Many inexpensive home modifications can make a significant difference for older adults without requiring major remodeling. These simple changes can improve both safety and confidence.

Consider adding:

• Grab bars in bathrooms
• Brighter LED lighting
• Night lights in hallways
• Lever-style door handles
• Non-slip rugs or flooring
• Handrails on stairs
• Raised toilet seats if needed

Schedule Family Check-Ins

As families grow and needs change, regular conversations help everyone stay on the same page. Even a monthly family meeting can provide an opportunity to discuss what’s working well and where adjustments are needed. This is a great opportunity to have a monthly family dinner to include everyone around the table together.

Remember: Caregivers Need Care, Too

One of the most overlooked realities of multigenerational living is that caregiving, even when done with love, can become physically and emotionally exhausting. Family caregivers often balance careers, raising children, household responsibilities, and caring for aging parents all at once. Over time, this can lead to burnout.

That’s why respite care can be such an important resource. Respite services provide temporary, professional care for an older adult, allowing family caregivers time to rest, travel, attend important events, or simply recharge. Taking a break isn’t a sign of failure; it’s one of the healthiest ways to continue providing quality care over the long term, because if the caregiver isn’t taken care of, they certainly can’t take care of others.

Five Conversations Every Multigenerational Family Should Have Before Moving In Together

Sharing a home can strengthen family relationships, but clear expectations from the start can help prevent misunderstandings later. Before anyone starts packing boxes, gather everyone around the table and have these five important conversations.

1. What Does “Helping Out” Really Mean?

One of the biggest sources of conflict is assuming everyone has the same expectations. Remember, helping should feel appreciated, not expected. And there are ways to make these things fun and collaborative. Share the cooking, making it a family event and including the kids in the process maybe one night a week. Share cleaning duties; even giving young children part of the chores list builds value, self-respect, and self-pride.

Discuss questions like:

• Who will cook meals?
• Who will clean shared spaces?
• Will grandparents provide childcare? If so, how often?
• Who will help with transportation or errands?
• If an aging parent needs more assistance over time, who will be responsible for what?

2. How Will We Handle Money?

Money conversations can be uncomfortable, but they’re essential. Even if one family member isn’t able to contribute financially, they may contribute in other valuable ways, such as childcare, cooking, or household management.

Consider discussing:

• Will everyone contribute to mortgage or rent?
• How will utilities and groceries be divided?
• Who pays for home repairs?
• Will there be a shared household budget?
• How will unexpected expenses be handled?

3. How Much Privacy Does Everyone Need?

Living together doesn’t mean being together all the time. Healthy boundaries strengthen relationships because everyone has their own space and times to recharge. Remember the old phrase, “Good fences make good neighbors”?

Talk about:

• Quiet hours
• Guests and overnight visitors
• Knock-before-entering rules
• Personal versus shared spaces
• Time alone for work, hobbies, or relaxation

4. What Happens if Someone’s Needs Change?

A grandparent who is active today may need additional support in the future. Having these conversations before they’re needed makes future decisions much less stressful.

Ask yourselves:

• What happens if someone can no longer drive?
• Who will attend medical appointments?
• When would outside help be appropriate?
• How will we know if caregiving becomes too much for one person?
• Would home health, adult day services, or respite care be part of our plan?

5. How Will We Keep Communication Healthy?

Families don’t need to avoid disagreements; they need a healthy way to work through them. Living together works best when communication becomes a habit—not just something that happens during conflict.

Consider creating simple “house rules,” such as:

• Address concerns early instead of letting frustration build.
• Hold a monthly family check-in.
• Assume good intentions.
• Respect differences in parenting styles, routines, and opinions.
• Celebrate what’s working, not just what needs fixing.

Could Your Family Save Money?

While every household is different, families often reduce expenses by sharing:

Every family’s financial picture is different, but combining households often creates savings that extend beyond dollars. Shared responsibilities, fewer duplicate expenses, and greater flexibility can improve the quality and raise the standard of life for everyone involved. AARP shares tips on splitting expenses within a multigenerational household.

One Final Thought 

“The secret to successful intergenerational living isn’t having a bigger house; it’s having bigger conversations before everyone moves in.”

The goal isn’t to create a perfect household; it’s to build one where everyone feels respected, valued, and has a voice. A little planning and open discussion can help create a home where grandparents, parents, and children all thrive together.

Looking Ahead

Intergenerational living isn’t about returning to the past, it’s about reworking what family life can look like today. For some families, it’s a financial decision. For others, it’s about spending more time together, supporting one another through life’s changing seasons, or creating richer experiences for children and grandparents. Like any living arrangement, it requires communication, flexibility, and mutual respect. But when families approach it thoughtfully, living together can become more than a practical solution; it can become one of life’s greatest gifts.

Whether you’re considering bringing an aging parent into your home, helping an adult child get back on their feet, or simply exploring options for the future, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Resources such as home health services, respite care, caregiver support, and knowledgeable senior living professionals can help families create a plan that works for everyone. At ASC, we want Hoosiers to live their very best lives, and we’re here to support the choices families make, whether they live with us or in their own homes. Simply reach out to an ASC team member near you to have a conversation and get valuable information to help support your decision and enhance your family conversations.

Retirement is being fundamentally reshaped by one powerful fact: People are living longer. This increased longevity is largely due to advances in modern medicine and improved living standards. With a longer lifespan come more complex financial and social challenges. Planning for retirement today is no longer about funding 10–15 years of leisure—it may mean preparing for 25, 30 or even 40+ years of life after work. 

The Low-Down on Longevity 

Over the past century, life expectancy has risen dramatically. In the United States, statistics show it has increased by roughly 7 years over the last five decades alone. Recent estimates put the number at around 79 years. More importantly, life expectancy at retirement age tells a deeper story. 

A 67-year-old today can expect to live to about 90 on average, with a good chance of reaching 95 or even 100! This shift means retirement is no longer a short, final phase; it is becoming a full life stage. 

However, longevity is even across the board. Research from the Yale School of Public Health shows significant differences in lifespan across states, income levels and demographic groups. This variability makes planning more complex. Individuals must prepare not just for average outcomes but for the possibility of living much longer than expected. And that should be a good thing, so planning for it becomes an important step.

Understanding the Financial Challenges of Longevity 

One of the biggest risks tied to longevity is outliving one’s savings. Many people underestimate how long they will live, and this leads to under-saving. Studies indicate only about one-third of Americans correctly estimate the life expectancy of a person of retirement age. This gap in “longevity literacy” has real consequences—those expecting shorter retirements tend to save less and delay planning. 

At the same time, the cost of living in retirement, especially healthcare, is rising. Healthcare is one of the largest and least predictable expenses retirees face. Recent estimates suggest that a retired couple in the US may need up to $469,000 to cover healthcare costs alone. Costs increase significantly with age, and chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease can further drive up expenses. 

Other factors to keep in mind: 

• Increased rate of inflation: Compounding the problems is inflation. Even moderate inflation can erode purchasing power over decades. Some projections suggest that a very long retirement, potentially 40–50 years, could require millions of dollars in total resources, especially when accounting for housing, food and healthcare. Traditional retirement strategies, such as conservative investment portfolios, may no longer be sufficient to sustain a longer lifespan.

• Difference in types of income: Another critical consideration is the changing nature of retirement income. Defined benefit pensions are increasingly rare, placing more responsibility on individuals. Social Security, while still a key pillar, faces funding pressures, adding uncertainty about future benefits. This means retirees must rely more heavily on personal savings, investments and potentially continued work.

• Lifespan vs. health span: Longevity also raises lifestyle and psychological questions. A longer life requires more than just financial preparation, it demands planning for purpose, health and social connection. Research consistently shows that factors like physical activity, social engagement and preventive healthcare significantly influence not only lifespan but also health span. This term refers to the number of years lived in good health. Living longer might mean you need to plan for a greater amount of time spent in poorer health, which may require more retirement income and savings. 

The bottom line? Retirement planning in the age of longevity requires a shift in mindset. Instead of asking “Do I have enough to retire?” the better question is “Can my resources last as long as I might live?” This involves planning for longevity risk, diversifying income streams, accounting for healthcare costs and maintaining flexibility. 

Plan today. Thrive tomorrow.

A longer life is one of life’s greatest gifts, but it also makes thoughtful financial planning more important than ever. Choosing the right senior living community can help you better manage future expenses, reduce the burdens of homeownership, and provide access to the lifestyle, amenities, and support you may need as your needs change.

At American Senior Communities, we offer a variety of lifestyle and care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing options throughout Indiana, giving you the flexibility to plan for today while preparing for tomorrow.

If you’re beginning to think about your retirement years, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Schedule a private tour at the American Senior Communities location nearest you and meet with one of our experienced team mates. They’ll answer your questions, discuss your goals, and help you understand the choices available, without pressure or obligation.

Your future deserves a plan that’s as unique as you are. Contact us today and discover how the right community can help you enjoy greater peace of mind, financial confidence, and a retirement filled with opportunity.

If there were a pill that could improve strength, boost energy, support heart health, strengthen bones, sharpen the mind, improve mood, reduce fall risk, and help maintain independence as we age, would you take it?

Guessing you answered ‘yes’, and that miracle prescription already exists…it’s called EXERCISE!

Did you just release a sigh of disappointment and consider moving on from this article? If you did, you’re like a lot of people who view exercise as work. Let’s see if we can change your mindset.

The Simple Facts

Movement helps the brain release chemicals that make you feel better, and that helps exercise become less about obligation and more about investing in a healthier, happier you. Once you feel the “high” of the release of endorphins when you exercise, you’ll become addicted.

Research consistently shows that regular physical activity is one of the most powerful ways adults aged 50 and older can protect their health, maintain independence, and improve overall quality of life. Research also supports that seniors can continue to increase their strength well into their 90’s! Yet many older adults struggle to find a fitness program designed specifically for their needs.

That’s where New Energy Wellness comes in.

We named this program New Energy Wellness because that’s what it provides – a new energy level like you’ve never felt before, or at least maybe not for years.

Available to both residents and members of the surrounding community, New Energy Wellness is a research-based senior fitness and wellness program that empowers older adults to stay active, independent, and thriving in life. Through specialized exercise programs, advanced fitness equipment designed for mature adults, low-impact/customized exercises, and personalized guidance from a Health Promotion Coordinator, participants can improve strength, balance, flexibility, endurance, and confidence for everyday living.

The Hidden Cost of Inactivity

Many of the dreaded physical changes commonly associated with aging are not caused by just getting older, they’re often the result of decreased activity. The World Health Organization is clear on the benefits of physical activity and the serious risks of sedentary behavior and inactivity.

Beginning around age 30, adults can lose as much as 3% to 8% of muscle mass per decade, with the rate increasing after age 60. This loss of muscle can lead to weakness, balance problems, reduced mobility, and increased fall risk. The encouraging news is that regular exercise and strength training can help prevent, slow, and in some cases reverse many of these changes.

Without regular movement, older adults may experience:

• Loss of strength and endurance
• Reduced flexibility and mobility
• Increased risk of falls and fractures
• Decreased bone density
• Joint stiffness and discomfort
• Reduced cardiovascular health
• Loss of independence
• Increased risk of depression and anxiety
• Cognitive decline

Why Strength Training Is Essential for Healthy Aging

For years, many seniors focused primarily on walking for exercise. While walking remains excellent for cardiovascular health, strength training provides benefits that walking alone just won’t provide.

Regular resistance training can help:

Preserve Muscle Mass: Strong muscles make everyday activities easier; from carrying groceries to climbing stairs and even getting out of a chair.

Improve Balance and Stability: Many falls occur because of weakness in the legs, hips, and core. Strength training helps build the stability needed to remain steady, balanced, and confident.

Support Bone Density: As we age, bones naturally become less dense, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Resistance training helps stimulate bone growth and maintain bone strength.

Improve Joint Health: Stronger muscles help support and protect joints, often reducing strain and improving comfort during daily activities.

Increase Metabolism and Energy: Building muscle helps the body use energy more efficiently and can contribute to higher energy levels throughout the day, and even help with weight loss.

Core Strength: The Foundation of Independence

One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of senior fitness is core strength. Your core includes the muscles of your abdomen, back, hips, and pelvis. These muscles support nearly every movement you make throughout the day. Whether you’re gardening, golfing, traveling, shopping, or playing with grandchildren, core strength helps you maintain an active lifestyle.

A strong core helps:

• Improve posture
• Enhance balance
• Reduce back discomfort
• Improve walking stability
• Make everyday tasks easier
• Reduce fall risk

Exercise Benefits the Brain, Too

Physical activity isn’t just good for the body; it’s one of the best things you can do for your brain. Many of our New Energy participants report that after beginning a regular exercise routine, they feel more energetic, positive, have a heightened mood, and are more engaged in life. Studies have shown that regular exercise can:

• Improve memory and concentration
• Enhance cognitive function
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve sleep quality
• Boost mood and self-confidence
• Lower the risk of depression
• Support long-term brain health

This doesn’t have to be hard work. There is FUN to be had!

Making exercise fun is one of the biggest keys to sticking with it long-term. For many older adults, the most successful fitness programs feel less like “working out” and more like social activities, hobbies, or personal challenges. Many of our members say they initially joined to improve their health but have stayed because of the age-appropriate equipment, the health coordinators, the smaller, quieter atmosphere, the focused programs, but maybe most importantly, because of the friendships they developed.

1. Exercise with friends – you’re much more likely to exercise if you have a partner
2. Listen to music – create playlists and choose songs that motivate you
3. Set personal challenges – make yourself accountable
4. Track your progress – small victories equal big changes and you’ll be shocked at how far you’ve come
5. Reward yourself – and NOT with ice cream! Buy a new book or outfit, go to a movie, enjoy a healthy snack

In a Nutshell.

Until that long-awaited miracle happens and we find the wonder drug, exercise may be the closest thing we have. It strengthens muscles and bones, protects the heart and brain, improves mood, boosts energy, and even activates the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. The more consistently we move, the more our bodies reward us for it. Now you have all the facts…what will you do?

We can help you get on track!

Retirement often brings something many people haven’t had in years: time to explore new interests. For some older adults, that means traveling, volunteering, taking up a hobby, or reconnecting with their family heritage. Among all those possibilities, learning a new language has become a popular trend with seniors who now have time to invest in expanding their horizons.

Whether it’s Spanish for an upcoming trip, Italian to connect with your family roots, or French so you can confidently order in that fancy restaurant you’ve seen, language study offers older adults the opportunity to challenge their minds, expand their social circles, and experience life in a new way.

While learning a new language later in life can come with some challenges, research suggests that the journey itself may offer meaningful cognitive, emotional, and social rewards, as well as the chance to really impress your friends and family.

Why Would a Senior Want to Learn a New Language?

People choose to learn a language for many reasons, including:

• Preparing for travel and cultural experiences
• Communicating with grandchildren or family members who speak another language
• Connecting with their ancestral heritage
• Making new friends and joining social groups
• Volunteering in diverse communities
• Exercising the brain through a lifelong learning opportunity
• Simply enjoying the satisfaction of mastering a new skill
• A renewed sense of purpose and accomplishment, and some pretty big bragging rights!

The Brain Benefits of Learning a Language

Learning a language requires the brain to multi-task. It involves memory, attention span, active listening, speaking, problem-solving, and pattern recognition. Researchers have long known that mentally stimulating activities help support cognitive health as we age, keeping our minds sharper, for much longer.

The National Institute on Aging encourages older adults to stay mentally engaged through learning new skills and challenging the brain with novel activities. Research suggests that keeping the mind active can support cognitive health and may help maintain thinking and memory skills as we age.

Language learning is particularly unique because it engages several areas of the brain simultaneously. Studies have shown that learning and using multiple languages can contribute to what researchers call “cognitive reserve”, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and compensate for age-related changes.

Some research has also found that people who are bilingual may experience symptoms of dementia later than those who speak only one language, although scientists continue to study exactly why this occurs and whether learning a language later in life produces the same effect.

Challenges Older Adults May Face

Let’s be honest: learning a language at age 60 or 70 is different from learning one at age 6 or 7. Older learners may encounter challenges such as:

Slower Vocabulary Retention: New words may take longer to memorize, and some vocabulary may require repeated practice before it sticks.

Hearing and Processing Differences: Age-related hearing changes can make it more difficult to distinguish unfamiliar sounds and pronunciations.

Fear of Making Mistakes: Many adults are more self-conscious than children might be when speaking a new language. Worrying about pronunciation or grammar mistakes can sometimes slow progress. DON’T BE AFRAID. If you’re in another country, that’s the perfect time to practice, and more often than not, locals will appreciate your efforts and are often very helpful in your learning process.

Limited Immersion Opportunities: Children often learn languages through daily exposure. Adults may need to create those opportunities intentionally through classes, conversation groups, apps, videos, or travel.

These challenges are normal and should not discourage anyone from starting!

The Advantages of Having an Older Mind

While younger learners may absorb pronunciation more easily, older adults bring significant strengths to the language-learning process.

Better Life Experience: Older adults can connect new words and concepts to decades of personal experiences, making learning more personal and meaningful.

Strong Learning Habits: Many seniors have developed excellent study habits, discipline, and patience over a lifetime of learning and working. This is a payoff that younger learners might not possess.

Clear Motivation: Unlike students learning a language because it’s required, older adults often have a specific purpose that keeps them engaged and motivated. Intention is a powerful thing.

Rich Vocabulary Knowledge: Understanding grammar, sentence structure, and communication in one’s native language can provide a foundation for learning another language more strategically.

Research suggests that continued use of cognitive skills throughout adulthood may help preserve those skills longer than previously believed, supporting the idea that learning remains possible well into older age.

More Than Brain Health: The Emotional and Social Benefits

The rewards of learning a language extend beyond memory and cognition. Many seniors report that language learning helps them:

• Build confidence
• Feel a sense of achievement
• Reduce boredom during retirement
• Meet new people
• Connect with different cultures
• Stay socially engaged

The National Library of Medicine shares research confirming social engagement itself has been associated with better cognitive health and overall well-being in older adults. Joining a travel club, language class, conversation group, or online learning community can provide meaningful social interaction while pursuing a shared goal.

What Does the Research Really Say?

The science surrounding language learning and aging is promising, but it’s important to understand what researchers currently know, and what they are still studying.

Studies have found associations between bilingualism and delayed onset of dementia symptoms, as well as other benefits of bilingualism over monolingualism in older adults. Others suggest that short-term language classes alone may not dramatically improve memory or intelligence scores, but there are only benefits to being willing to learn and giving it a try.

What researchers generally agree on is that learning a language is a highly engaging cognitive activity. It challenges the brain, encourages social interaction, and promotes lifelong learning; all factors associated with healthy aging.

In other words, learning a language may not be a silver bullet against cognitive decline, but it is a meaningful way to keep the brain active and engaged, as well as highly enjoyable.

Tips for Seniors Starting a New Language

If you’re considering learning a new language, start small. Remember: fluency isn’t the only goal. The process of learning itself is valuable.

• Practice at least 10 to 15 minutes each day (longer if you can)
• Focus on common words and phrases first, then build on those
• Use Post-It notes around the house identifying objects in the new language
• Listen to music or podcasts in the target language
• Watch movies with subtitles
• Join a local or online conversation group
• Use language-learning apps for daily practice
• Visit places where the language of choice may be spoken, such as restaurants, stores, etc.
• Celebrate progress rather than perfection

The Reward Is Bigger Than the Vocabulary

Learning a new language as an older adult is about much more than memorizing words. It’s about curiosity, growth, connection, and proving that learning doesn’t have an expiration date.

Whether you master a few travel phrases or become conversationally fluent, every lesson represents an investment in yourself. Each new word learned is evidence that the brain remains capable of growth, adaptation, and discovery throughout life. Even if you only learn enough to get by in basic conversation, it’s still a rewarding feeling of accomplishment.

After all, one of the greatest advantages of aging is wisdom, and wisdom often begins with the willingness to keep learning.

At ASC, we know that curiosity, purpose, and the desire to learn don’t fade with age; they evolve. Our communities provide countless opportunities for residents to explore new interests, build meaningful connections, and continue growing mentally, socially, and physically. If you or someone you love is looking for a community that celebrates lifelong learning and an active, fulfilling lifestyle, explore a community near you.