ABSTRACT
In all the countries in transition higher proportions of older people live with their families than is the case in the European Union. There is no historical precedent for the challenges which have been faced by the countries of eastern and central Europe as they undergo the transition from centrally planned to pluralist and market-orientated economies. Demographic change, combined with centrally directed economic and social development during the communist era has resulted in significant long-term impacts on older people. Economic changes have brought increasing stress in family situations. High unemployment and inflation mean that many families are unable to provide adequate support to all their members, young or old. Informal employment has always been an important source of income for some older people, though it has been men who have tended to have more access to these opportunities. Sharing accommodation is another survival strategy, which also facilitates pooling of tasks and income sources.
