Living arrangements of older persons in Navarre: An analysis of household structures, interpretative considerations and family support strategies

Abstract

This paper focuses on household structures of the elderly in Navarre (Spain) and how they changed over the 20th century. Household structures were calculated based on census data from 1910 and 2001. A methodological triangulation was applied, using quantitative and qualitative information. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to gather information regarding families’ perceptions on the most appropriate household structure for the elderly and the advantages and disadvantages of each household type. Two family systems, stem and nuclear, have coexisted in the province for centuries. The use of the family system concept allows bridging the gap between the past and the present, thus permitting family change to be analyzed from a long-term perspective. The results show a high degree of coherence between the traditional family system division in the province and current household structures of the elderly.