Study reveals 35% decline in living relatives in near future

Experts forecast a 35% decrease in the number of living relatives, foreseeing significant changes in family compositions

Family sizes are shrinking and are expected to continue shrinking in the coming years. A recent study highlights a shift in family dynamics, forecasting a substantial decrease in the number of relatives each individual is likely to have in the near future.

Diego Alburez-Gutierrez from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research along with researchers from the University of Buenos Aires and the University of Amsterdam, recently published a study analyzing the evolution of global kinship relationships. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research delves into the future demographic changes in familial connections.

Using mathematical models and data from the UN’s World Population Prospects 2022, the study foresees a permanent decrease in family size across the globe. South America and the Caribbean are likely to witness the most significant reductions in family size. 

The declining number of relatives could impact the support system for older adults, emphasizing the need for robust social support systems globally. As families become smaller and older, informal care will become challenging, emphasizing the importance of investing in social support structures worldwide. These profound changes in family dynamics will pose significant societal challenges for policymakers globally. 

Source: Phys, Newsroom