I have been in Sweden for slightly more than 3.5 years now.
Today, I have grasped the concept of home here.
Previously, I found it confusing how elderly generation send themselves to old folks home and not staying with their kids. I found it cool that some couples will buy old houses or huge ones, wondering if I could afford one. I found it sad that some of my colleagues had plans to sell their houses and move to a small apartment.
Today, I understand how things work in the society.
Single adults buy a small apartment suitable for a single person. This is usually one bedroom with a living room. When they pair up and become a couple, they move to either person's apartment
When the couple have kids, they sell their apartments and buy a bigger apartment i.e. with 2 or 3 bedrooms or a house. Now, this house can be an old house away from town or a newly built house. I have colleagues who bought old houses and some renovation and repairs needed to be done. For e.g. to change the old pipes, change the kitchen stove because it uses charcoal instead of the modern gas or electricity, replace the planks on the wooden porch because they are worn out and the list can go on.
When the kids become adults, the extra space feels empty and unnecessary. So, the parents sell the place and buy a small apartment or rent an apartment elsewhere or in the old folks community. The loan of the previous place can be paid off and the extra cash can be used to pay the monthly rental or the cost of the small apartment. It is not a problem to pay the monthly loan installment or rental because the elderly generation gets their monthly pension. They get a minimal pension if they have not worked prior to that. Hence, the pensioners don't need to stay with their kids to be taken care of. Also, they understand that their kids have their own life and need to take care of their own families.
This is so different from Malaysia! It is rare that parents sell the home once the kids have grown up because the kids are encouraged to stay with their spouses in the home with their parents so they can take care of their parents.
In my opinion, I think it is very practical with the 'home' concept here. But also, the downside of being lonely among the older generation is very common here.
Ok, I can go and on here but you get the gist, I hope!
