More Multigenerational Households in U.S.

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The number of multigenerational households in the United States has increased significantly in recent years as young adult children return to the nest and more people care for aging parents or grandchildren.

A Pew Research Center study found that about 6.6 million households had at least three generations of family members in 2009, a 30 percent increase since 2000, the Associated Press reported.

The study also found that a record 49 million people lived in households with at least two adult generations.

The recession is a major reason why there are more multigenerational households, the AP reported. Many young adults (so-called boomerang kids) are moving back in with their parents because of a poor job market and a housing crunch.

Other factors include extended life spans and increased options in home health and outpatient care for the elderly.