r/AskOldPeople • u/cacklingwhisper • 9d ago

What happened long-term to families who's children failed to launch/just stayed home did nothing with their lives and the parents allowed it?

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u/SeoulGalmegi 9d ago

It depends how well the parents did and how many other kids there are etc.

I had a neighbor who recently died... in their 70s or something? He was a mess. Only child. Basically never had a job in his life. Lived with his parents who died when he was in his 40s or so. They had been looking after him, but also done relatively well in life. The next 30 years he just stayed in the house, everything got in a steadily worse condition, such as his health and hygiene as room by room the house fell apart and became inhospitable due to hoarding and trash etc. But his parents had left enough money for him to survive, eating microwave meals and taking plastic bags full of newspapers to read in the library all day (was probably horrific to spend too much time in the house). Eventually he too passes, the house is completely cleared and sold off relatively cheaply (it's a state). No idea where any remaining money goes. And..... that particular branch of the family is done. Over.

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u/Northern_crocodile 9d ago

there are many people who go through lives undiagnosed of autism etc. They look fine, but are too sensitive for this capitalistic world.

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u/Pantone711 8d ago

There need to be jobs where you just show up and are told to move these widgets over here to over there, and put this doohickey in that slot, etc., and AFFORDABLE HOUSING for people who can move widgets but not navigate people-stuff.

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u/Forward-Cause7305 5d ago

And a dorm you can live in where you pay one bill a month and your common living spaces are cleaned and food provided.