**5.2. Elderly**

move. It was found that they would not move primarily because migration would be a stress and demands good organization (10%), an important reason would be also unknown people and unknown environment (7%), but the language (2%) to young people does not represent major obstacles for migration. It is surprising to find that in second place, with 7%, the answer is "because of unknown people and unknown environment" given that for young people this should not represent a big problem. But the answer for this could be found in a view of the elderly on migration abroad. This is a home-sickness. On the basis of the answers among the elderly, it was found that (also) young people are very much attached to their place; some already have children, and this would make it difficult for them to move, while some are quite

Young people were asked whether they would be willing to move to their older relatives with whom they would coexist in order to solve their housing problem in this way. They would take care of relatives, help them with the maintenance of the property, contribute to the cost of the property, and possibly inherit the property. But only 18% of respondents would decide for this ︣ type of accommodation and 82% would not decide for it. The percentages show that young people are not too enthusiastic about coexistence with the elderly, even if in this case they would be relatives. Young people were also asked if they would be willing to offer assistance in exchange for an apartment, in the case where the landlords were not relatives. This means that in return for free accommodation, young people would take care of the elderly, help them to maintain the property, and share costs. It was found that such a way of coexistence would be accepted by 16% of young people, while the other 84% would not. On this issue, the percentage of young people who are willing to stay in this type of accommodation is even smaller. In case of relatives, the percentage is slightly higher due to the fact that the roommates would know each other (relatives). Those who replied that they would not accept the assistance in exchange for an apartment, as a reason, in most (57%) cases stated that in such a form of coexistence, they would feel uncomfortable and interdependent, because they consider that in the context of the coexistence, there will be disagreements between the generations sooner or later (19%). The results show that young people are not excited about coexistence. Based on the results, it was found that young people want autonomy and independence, which they could not have in such a form of living. This is also confirmed by the results of the question as young people pointed out that property means independence (34%) to them. These answers also indicate that young people want independence, and according to the answers, it was considered that such a way of staying for them would require too much responsibility, which they are not ready to accept. As the most important factor influencing the decision to buy or rent a property among young people, the respondents determined the proximity of the job, school, and other service activities (33%), and also the price (28%) is an important factor. The fact that young people's proximity to the workplace means a lot is what they have already confirmed that 44% of them stated that if they were in the vicinity of the workplace, they would be willing to pay more for the property. The least attention they paid was to the size of the dwelling (1%), the age of the dwelling (2%), the floor in which is the dwelling (2%), and the functional arrangement of the rooms in the apartment (2%). It is a worrying fact that only 8% of respondents perceive the legal status of the property as the most important factor. Let us emphasize that the legal status of the property is

unconcerned with the situation of living and working abroad.

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of crucial importance; otherwise, it can cause a lot of inconvenience.

The second part of the study was focused on older people aged 60 and over. The survey sample included 108 people aged 60 and over. The oldest participant was 87 years old (year 1930) and the youngest 60 years (year 1957). The average age was 71 years (year 1946). Older people were included who live at home in their own or rented real estate and not in institutional forms of living. The average age of respondents is appropriate, as this is the age at which individuals, who in large majority, still live in their own real estate (at home), and they are already thinking about the years to come and what comes with them.

As it has already been stated in Section 1, in the survey, only those older people were included who do not live in institutional forms of living. It was found out that 66% live in their own house, 24% live in their own flat, and 6% are tenants. Other four answers under the offered option "other" were two of them living in the partner's house, one in a nephew's apartment, and one is a part-owner of the house. The survey shows that most elderly people live in their own house. Young respondents also expressed a great desire to live in their own house, but, however, as this and other researches show, the way to get it is difficult. In 44%, the real estate in which old people currently live is financed in part by their own funds and in part by funds of children. Only 18% of the respondents finance their property only with their own funds. Twenty-four percent of respondents answered that they finance the property together with their partner. No one's cost is fully covered by their children or the municipality. There is also no older person with a loan or a lease. There were also three other answers, which show the additional support of children, grandchildren, and siblings. It was found out that the elderly have difficulties with financing of their real estate, and therefore children's resources play an important role.

Considering that respondents do not live in an organized form of living, older people were asked what percentage of income represents the costs of maintaining their property. It was found that for most respondents, the costs are somewhere between 21 and 40%; on average, they are 35.1%. This shows that the elderly have to allocate a large part of their income for the maintenance of their property. For example, an average household of two-member households with an average of EUR 1000 of income should allocate EUR 350 for monthly costs for a real estate in case of average costs of 35%. Costs in this case represent more than half of the income of one household member. This is confirmed by the fact that one-person (as well as two-member) households are at risk of poverty, and for them it would be difficult without the financial support of their children.

Older people were asked also about the readiness to relocate from the current accommodation. It was found that only 19% of the respondents would move, and 81% would like to stay. The results show that older people do not want to leave their dwellings. It was found that for the elderly, it would be difficult to move out from the current property due to a feeling of attachment to it (46%), and moving out would also be stressful (29%). Only a few respondents would see their move from the dwelling as a move to expand their circle of acquaintances (4%) and solve their financial concerns (11%). In the event that they must leave their current accommodation, as the most important reason for this, they see a disease or an inability to take care of themselves (53%). The reason for this could be also higher costs (10%). They also highlighted concerns related to illness, higher costs, and family relationships. In the case that older people would be forced to move, 45% of the respondents would move from their own property to a retirement home. Some would move from the house to the apartment (22%), and the least would choose a rented apartment for the elderly (4%). Based on the results, it could be concluded that the elderly want to stay in their own real estate for a long time and intend to leave it only in case of illness, and they intend to go to the retirement home where staff would take care of them. The fact is that the elderly in 45% certainly do not want to move into a retirement home, but they see this as the best possible solution when they get helpless. It was assumed that many people would rather move from a house to an apartment or in a sheltered apartment (i.e., any form of living, but not institutional), but at the same time, they are aware that finances would not allow them to do this and also that they would need an assistance in

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Same as the younger, also the elderly were asked if they would be willing to move abroad (e.g., the neighboring country Croatia) if this would be financially more favorable for them. This means that there are cheaper care services in retirement homes. It was found that the elderly are not ready to move abroad, as only 9% of them would move, and 91% would not do this. At the younger ones, the percentages were completely different; in 63% of them, they would be willing to move abroad, while 37% would not like it. Those who answered that they would not move abroad (91%) were asked about the reason. It was found that the main reason is unknown people and unknown environment (49%), and the second reason is that the migration would be a stressful and a demanding organizational process (17%). The younger people, for example, did not specifically expose any of the answers for the same question. It was expected that in a slightly higher percentage, the elderly would expose the difficult of arrival of their friends and relatives for a visit. But they did not mention this. Some additional responses (nine) were gathered about reasons why old people did not like to move. All of them expose the age and attachment to the place of living. The results show that the elderly would find it difficult to leave their accommodation; they are attached to it, as well as on their homeland. If they would need to move, they would do this in a familiar environment and do not want to be surrounded by unknown people. The language for the elderly would not be the main reason for not moving (2%); the reason for this could be that Croatia as an option was mentioned in a survey as one of the possibilities of relocation (Slovenia and Croatia have

As said, the elderly are not ready to move from the current accommodation (81%), but anyway they were also asked whether they even thought about moving in a retirement home. It

the form, which could only be obtained at the retirement home.

similar languages).

As with the younger population, the survey also in the case of the elderly included the question of whether older people would be willing to accept assistance in exchange for rent in an apartment for free. In this case, it was thought that someone would come to live with older person, a younger or a younger family, who would take care of him/her and help him/her with the maintenance of the property, and in paying the costs in return for free accommodation. It was found that only 11% of respondents would accept this form of assistance, and 89% would not accept the assistance in return for a dwelling. At the younger, this percentage was slightly higher, as 16% of the respondents would choose this option. The results thus show that for older people, this form of coexistence would be even harder to accept than for the younger ones. In the continuation, as in the case of younger people, older people were asked why they would accept this way of living and why not. It was found out that those older would accept assistance (11%); they would mainly do this because they do not want to move in an organized way of living (6%), (only) in 3% because they cannot fully cover current costs or maintain real estate, and in 2% because they need help with personal care. For those who answered that they would not accept such form of accommodation (89%), the main reason (53%) was distrust, because they would not know these people. They also fear being exploited and disregarded in agreements (21%). On the basis of the answers, it was found out that the elderly want autonomy; some of them do not need help at this time, or care is already arranged, and some of the respondents have no space (too small property).

Also, the elderly were asked whether they would be willing to accept a younger relative (together with the family) with whom they would live together. At the same time, the young relative would take care of an old relative, help him/her with the maintenance of the property, and cover the costs. It was found that old respondents are willing to do this in 41%. The share of those elderly who would accept this form of living is significantly higher than at the question if they would accept a younger foreigner. The results show that many older people want to get assistance from known people. The percentage of distrust was on the question whether they would accept the aid/assistance in exchange for an apartment, namely quite higher (53%). If results are compared with the results of the younger group, it could be found that the elderly are much more willing to accept this form of coexistence than the younger ones, as at this question of affirmative answers was only 18%. In addition, the elderly were asked whether they would move to their children or grandchildren if they had this opportunity. The results show that 35% of respondents would accept this option, while 65% would not. The share of positive answers on this question is lower than the previous one when older people were asked whether they would accept a relative. This means that older people would prefer to see someone who moves to them rather than themselves moving somewhere else, because this option is more difficult for them from both organizational and social aspects.

Older people were asked also about the readiness to relocate from the current accommodation. It was found that only 19% of the respondents would move, and 81% would like to stay. The results show that older people do not want to leave their dwellings. It was found that for the elderly, it would be difficult to move out from the current property due to a feeling of attachment to it (46%), and moving out would also be stressful (29%). Only a few respondents would see their move from the dwelling as a move to expand their circle of acquaintances (4%) and solve their financial concerns (11%). In the event that they must leave their current accommodation, as the most important reason for this, they see a disease or an inability to take care of themselves (53%). The reason for this could be also higher costs (10%). They also highlighted concerns related to illness, higher costs, and family relationships. In the case that older people would be forced to move, 45% of the respondents would move from their own property to a retirement home. Some would move from the house to the apartment (22%), and the least would choose a rented apartment for the elderly (4%). Based on the results, it could be concluded that the elderly want to stay in their own real estate for a long time and intend to leave it only in case of illness, and they intend to go to the retirement home where staff would take care of them. The fact is that the elderly in 45% certainly do not want to move into a retirement home, but they see this as the best possible solution when they get helpless. It was assumed that many people would rather move from a house to an apartment or in a sheltered apartment (i.e., any form of living, but not institutional), but at the same time, they are aware that finances would not allow them to do this and also that they would need an assistance in the form, which could only be obtained at the retirement home.

the maintenance of their property. For example, an average household of two-member households with an average of EUR 1000 of income should allocate EUR 350 for monthly costs for a real estate in case of average costs of 35%. Costs in this case represent more than half of the income of one household member. This is confirmed by the fact that one-person (as well as two-member) households are at risk of poverty, and for them it would be difficult without the

As with the younger population, the survey also in the case of the elderly included the question of whether older people would be willing to accept assistance in exchange for rent in an apartment for free. In this case, it was thought that someone would come to live with older person, a younger or a younger family, who would take care of him/her and help him/her with the maintenance of the property, and in paying the costs in return for free accommodation. It was found that only 11% of respondents would accept this form of assistance, and 89% would not accept the assistance in return for a dwelling. At the younger, this percentage was slightly higher, as 16% of the respondents would choose this option. The results thus show that for older people, this form of coexistence would be even harder to accept than for the younger ones. In the continuation, as in the case of younger people, older people were asked why they would accept this way of living and why not. It was found out that those older would accept assistance (11%); they would mainly do this because they do not want to move in an organized way of living (6%), (only) in 3% because they cannot fully cover current costs or maintain real estate, and in 2% because they need help with personal care. For those who answered that they would not accept such form of accommodation (89%), the main reason (53%) was distrust, because they would not know these people. They also fear being exploited and disregarded in agreements (21%). On the basis of the answers, it was found out that the elderly want autonomy; some of them do not need help at this time, or care is already arranged, and some of the respondents have no

Also, the elderly were asked whether they would be willing to accept a younger relative (together with the family) with whom they would live together. At the same time, the young relative would take care of an old relative, help him/her with the maintenance of the property, and cover the costs. It was found that old respondents are willing to do this in 41%. The share of those elderly who would accept this form of living is significantly higher than at the question if they would accept a younger foreigner. The results show that many older people want to get assistance from known people. The percentage of distrust was on the question whether they would accept the aid/assistance in exchange for an apartment, namely quite higher (53%). If results are compared with the results of the younger group, it could be found that the elderly are much more willing to accept this form of coexistence than the younger ones, as at this question of affirmative answers was only 18%. In addition, the elderly were asked whether they would move to their children or grandchildren if they had this opportunity. The results show that 35% of respondents would accept this option, while 65% would not. The share of positive answers on this question is lower than the previous one when older people were asked whether they would accept a relative. This means that older people would prefer to see someone who moves to them rather than themselves moving somewhere else, because

this option is more difficult for them from both organizational and social aspects.

financial support of their children.

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space (too small property).

Same as the younger, also the elderly were asked if they would be willing to move abroad (e.g., the neighboring country Croatia) if this would be financially more favorable for them. This means that there are cheaper care services in retirement homes. It was found that the elderly are not ready to move abroad, as only 9% of them would move, and 91% would not do this. At the younger ones, the percentages were completely different; in 63% of them, they would be willing to move abroad, while 37% would not like it. Those who answered that they would not move abroad (91%) were asked about the reason. It was found that the main reason is unknown people and unknown environment (49%), and the second reason is that the migration would be a stressful and a demanding organizational process (17%). The younger people, for example, did not specifically expose any of the answers for the same question. It was expected that in a slightly higher percentage, the elderly would expose the difficult of arrival of their friends and relatives for a visit. But they did not mention this. Some additional responses (nine) were gathered about reasons why old people did not like to move. All of them expose the age and attachment to the place of living. The results show that the elderly would find it difficult to leave their accommodation; they are attached to it, as well as on their homeland. If they would need to move, they would do this in a familiar environment and do not want to be surrounded by unknown people. The language for the elderly would not be the main reason for not moving (2%); the reason for this could be that Croatia as an option was mentioned in a survey as one of the possibilities of relocation (Slovenia and Croatia have similar languages).

As said, the elderly are not ready to move from the current accommodation (81%), but anyway they were also asked whether they even thought about moving in a retirement home. It was found that 42% of respondents thought about this, and 58% of them did not think about it yet. Respondents also thought about possibilities of renting/buying a sheltered apartment than moving into a retirement home, but share of those was low; the results show that only 16% of respondents thought about this, and 84% of them did not think about it yet. Such a low percentage can be attributed to the poor information among the elderly about the sheltered apartments, or if they are familiar with this, they only know that it is a somewhat more expensive form of accommodation and, in the case of low incomes, they do not even think about it. The problem could also be the rarity of this form of accommodation, because sheltered apartments are not in every larger city. Thirty-three percent of respondents are familiar with the possibilities of solving a housing problem with moving to a retirement home or a sheltered home, but 67% are unaware of this. The results indicate a relatively low level of knowledge of this area, and this may be one of the reasons why older people have such a strong resistance to different forms of living. It was believed that greater and better information of the elderly would change their view of different forms of living and make it easier for them to make a decision or go to one of these accommodations.

is a 25-year-old individual who still has the status of a student, lives with his/her parents, in a household with three additional members whose average monthly income is around EUR 2000. Given that he/she still lives with his/her parents, his/her real estate is fully financed by his/ her parents, which represents the cost of maintaining the property and other living expenses. Owning a property represents an independence, once in the future he/she wants to become the owner of a real estate, expressed is the desire to live in a house, which he/she intends to finance with a loan, or he/she will share this cost with his/her partner. For his/her property, he/she is willing to pay from EUR 100.001 to EUR 150.000. In order to afford it, he/she intends to save on personal consumption or holidays. For the property he/she would be willing to pay more only if it is close to the workplace, otherwise not. He/she has not yet considered the possibilities for renting or buying a non-profit apartment, he/she is also not familiar with the conditions in this area. He/she is ready to move abroad to improve the current situation. In order to become independent, he/she is not ready to move to older relatives or strangers, as he/she would feel uncomfortable and interdependent in such an accommodation. As the most important factor that would influence the purchase or renting of real estate, he/she sees the vicinity of the job, school, and other service activities, and he/she will also pay attention to the price. As a reason that would lead to purchasing or renting of a real estate, he/she mentions the job, independence (leaving the home of parents), and higher incomes. He/she is critical toward the variety of offers concerning various accommodation options for the younger and older populations as the vulnerable low-income groups. He/she thinks that the state should give more attention and resources to young people, to take action in the area of youth unemployment and real estate

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A typical representative of the elderly is a 71-year-old individual who lives in his/her own home alone or together with his/her partner. The average monthly income of a household varies between EUR 1000 and EUR 1500. His/her accommodation is financed partly by his/her own funds, partly with the funds of his/her children or together with a partner, and in some cases only with his/her own funds. The costs of maintaining the property represent between 21 and 40% of the monthly income of the household. He/she solved his/her first housing problem between the ages of 20 and 30, partly by his/her own funds, partly by bank funds. Currently, he/she does not need assistance with personal care. He/she was not persuaded or threatened in any way that he/she should leave the current accommodation for the purpose of moving out, for example, to a retirement home, a sheltered apartment, in order to acquire the property right or the right to manage it to someone else after he/she leaves the property. Because of distrust to foreigners, he/she is not too enthusiastic about moving to a younger person or a family with whom he/she would live. He/she would be much more happier if a relative would relocate to him/her. He/she is even more prepared to do this than to move to his/her own children or grandchildren. He/she is not ready to move out of the current accommodation, especially because he/she is very attached to it. For the elderly person, the property signifies primarily security, a home in the true sense of the word. He/she is not ready to move away, mainly because of his/her age, unknown people, and unknown environment. In case if he/she had to leave the current accommodation, it would be a disease, and he/she would move to a retirement home. He/she has not considered accommodation in retirement home, even less sheltered apartments, and he/she is not familiar with the conditions in this area. He/

prices. He/she does not save for a safe and comfortable old age.

It was also found that for the elderly, their property primarily means security (40%) and an important life achievement (19%), and, consequently, they are very strongly attached to it, as shown by the results on the question of where to move if they would be forced to move from the current accommodation (46% answered that it would be hard to move away from the current property due to a sense of attachment to it), the elderly perceive their property as a legacy to their descendants. In this question, for example, the younger people pointed out the fact that for them property means primarily independence (34%), but in the second place, they have also chosen security (29%). On the basis of the obtained results, it could be concluded that both generations assign great importance to a real estate.

The elderly were also asked whether they had been urging/persuading/intimidating/threatening (verbally, non-verbally) that they should leave the current accommodation for the purpose of moving away, for example, to a retirement home, a sheltered apartment, and that after their departure, they obtain the property right on the real estate or right to manage with it to some other person. It was found that this occurred in two cases (2%), and others did not have this experience (98%) or maybe they did not want to tell about it.

In the end, as well as younger people, also the elderly were asked for an opinion on whether if there is enough variety of accommodation in the country for the younger and the elderly as one of vulnerable groups with low incomes. The results show that 92% of them think that there are not enough options, and 8% think that there are enough. The elderly, in particular, want more measures from the state (e.g., higher incomes, cheaper care services in retirement homes, financial assistance to those who would like to stay at home and adjust their housing accordingly).
