That’s why they are downsizing. To get rid of the bum in the basement.
In high-tax areas retirees can’t afford t remain in their homes because the retirement income can’t pay the taxes (along with other bills). NJ has a “senior freeze” program where retirees have their taxes frozen, but it isn’t working; the taxes at frozen at a high level, and they have to pay the higher taxes and get a refund a year later.
That's funny...and mostly true!
When I was coming of age in the late 1970s, it was considered embarrassing for a grownup to live with their folks and a mark of failure (think "Meathead" from All In The Family). In fact, a grown man still living at home would have had trouble finding a date as no self-respecting girl would date him. Having a bachelor's pad on the other hand would draw girls to you like flies.
How that has changed.
Now I consider myself very fortunate as my own grown children are on their own and have been out of the house since their early 20s. But that is due in part to fact that I relocated to another part of the country for my job about 6 years ago. They decided to stay in the area they grew up in and was best thing for them so far as becoming independent.
I have some peers who have 30-something children still living with them that have never moved out. I suppose there might be some situations where that works out but doesn't seem healthy to me.