Young families rely too heavily on grandparents, exploiting them a source of cheap housing and child care, says an academic from the University of Western Sydney.
Sue Field, a Fellow in Elder Law at UWS, says “adult children” who live with their parents to save money and constantly expect their parents to step in as baby sitters are creating a stress epidemic among the nation’s elderly.
“Many elderly Australians simply find it too hard to say no, so much so that even when they are asked the ultimate favour, to take the possessions, lives and even partners of their adult children into the family home, they feel they have to say yes,” Ms Field said.
So, at a time when many elderly should be enjoying their hard-won leisure time, they find themselves pulled back into the daily grind of nappies, teething and temper tantrums, combined with all the responsibilities that comes with having extra people around the home when what they really need is some peace and quiet.
She says we should reconsider the expectations that we put on seniors when we pressure them to take care of the kids.
“I urge all Australians, especially those who rely on their parents more than they perhaps should, to stop and consider how they can help elderly Australians live the dream retirement, instead of the one that just helps others with the costs of babysitting and accommodation,” Ms Field said.
