Job changes ‘lead to fragmented families’

THE changing nature of the jobs market is leading to “fragmented” families, with children moving further away from their parents, according to a new study.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Dec 2012, 08:37 BST

The WRVS said many older people are seeing their children less and less, worsening levels of loneliness.

A survey of 500 people over the age of 75 found that one in 10 has children working more than an hour’s drive away.

Those living furthest away visit their parents less often, the research found.

David McCullough, chief executive of WRVS, said: “Many children have no choice but to move away from their older parents because of work or family reasons and really regret the fact that they aren’t close enough for more regular visits to alleviate their parent’s loneliness.”

Nearly three-quarters of over-75s living alone feel lonely, often only having the TV for company, which has a negative impact on their health, said the charity.