Persistent High Levels of Single Living Among Adults With Disabilities in Sweden, 1993–2011

Glenn Sandström , Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research (CEDAR), Umeå University
Fredinah Namatovu, Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research (CEDAR), Umeå University
Jens Ineland, Umeå University
Daniel Larsson, Umeå University
Nawi Ng, Umeå University
Mikael Stattin, Umeå University

Using a combination of survey and register data from Sweden for the period 1993-2011 the results of this study show that working age adults with disabilities in Sweden are approximately twice as likely to be living alone compared to individuals without disabilities. This study finds no evidence of a reduction in the negative impact of disability on family formation in Sweden in recent decades. People with disabilities were also more likely to report low life satisfaction and this was especially true among individuals living alone. Although Sweden has worked extensively on social inclusion and to reduce inequalities for people with disabilities some of these differences persist. Because people with disabilities are more prone to social isolation there is a need for further research to clarify the direct and indirect pathways leading to this association.

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 Presented in Session 8. Economy, Labor Force, Education, & Inequality