What is the characteristic of the aging stage in terms of family size?

The aging stage of the family life cycle typically sees a return to fewer family members as children grow up and leave the home. This stage is often characterized by empty nest syndrome, where parents may experience a significant decrease in the number of household members after their children become independent. As older adults, parents may also focus on their own relationships and individual interests, often leading to smaller family units.

This trend reflects broader societal changes as well, where families may have fewer children, and older generations tend to live more independently or with fewer people. Therefore, the characteristic of the aging stage in terms of family size is marked by a reduction in the number of family members, aligning with the option that indicates a return to fewer family members.