Definition: (Description / Characteristics):

Empty nester is the term for parents after the last or only child has left the parental home and moved out. Empty nesters are mostly between 40 and 64 years old. In this age group, around 65.6 percent are currently (2022) married and living together.

When children move out, a new phase of life begins for parents. Living conditions, many everyday processes, family interactions and roles within relationships change. This can be a big challenge, especially in the beginning.

Some mothers and/or some fathers develop a so-called empty nest syndrome when their children leave. This term summarizes an emotional state that is characterized by emptiness, loneliness, sadness and self-doubt. Whether more mothers or more fathers fall into such a crisis of meaning cannot be said with certainty. Women may be more likely to show that they are suffering from the new situation and often have a different understanding of their role in the family. For single parents, everyday life without children often feels particularly empty. They therefore usually have to struggle more with the Empty Nest Syndrome than parents in a couple relationship.

However, many empty nesters also see the opportunities that this new phase of life offers - both for the couple relationship and for the design of newly gained freedom and leisure time.

It usually takes one and a half to two years for the empty nesters to enter their new phase of life. A time that can be used for orientation. (1)

Market potential: (current & future):

In 2017, 13.1% of the 40.7 million households in Germany were “empty nests” (2). That corresponds to over 5.3 million households.

The current number of "empty nests" can only be estimated, we conservatively calculate about 500,000 new "empty nests" in Germany every year.

Needs (entry phase & in phase):

Financial situation: When the child moves out, the financial situation changes. On the one hand, consumption costs for the household are reduced and savings can also be made in the insurance sector, e.g. This can be done, for example, by switching families to tariffs for couples. On the other hand, many parents support their children financially, in training or by giving grants for larger purchases. In principle, it is advisable to check income, expenditure and reserves for every new household situation. The household income can  (?) be increased if the newly gained time is used for a new or extended job. A key change also affects the living space. It is important to consider how the vacant living space can be used and whether a move is advisable.

Free time, life planning: Very few parents have concrete plans for the time after their children have moved out. Similar to the transition to retirement, a “honeymoon phase” can occur here, in which the new freedom is savored, but conversely this can also lead to empty nest syndrome.

After this initial phase, the focus for many is on the search for new life content and tasks. There is often more time and space for (new) activities. It is not uncommon for the former children's room to be used as a handicraft room, arts and crafts room, painting studio or music room. New tasks can also result from professional changes, social commitment and voluntary work. In addition, it is important to shape the new family life, e.g.  Organizing contacts and meetings with the children.

Realtionship: Due to the new life situation, living together changes – the family becomes a couple (again). The parental role recedes into the background, the role as a partner takes center stage. In addition, there are changes in daily tasks and family routines. All of this can have a positive effect on the relationship, but it can also become a major challenge. Couples should therefore deal with the new situation together and plan and coordinate changes with each other. Because sometimes the ideas about the organization of this phase of life and also the expectations of the partner can differ greatly. New professional or honorary tasks and distinct hobbies can e.g. at the expense of time together. This should be the case, as should the desire for more personal freedom in the relationship. be discussed early. The result of a study shows that this phase of life harbors "explosives" for the relationship. Researchers at Heidelberg University have discovered that the risk of divorce is particularly high for empty nesters.(3) 

Scenarios:

In the life stage of the empty nest, many people reorient themselves. This ensues in a multitude of new and changed needs and opens up the possibility of a targeted approach to prospects and customers. For example, many empty nesters are looking for new jobs and challenges, both in the voluntary sector and in employment. Here, organizations and companies can attract new contributors with flexible options.

Changes in the household, the spatial situation and in scheduling offer potential for targeted offers, e.g. for the areas of housing (conversion, relocation, sale/purchase of residential property), mobility (purchase of a smaller car), leisure activities and travel. Offers for special financial services can also be interesting, for example a needs analysis to determine the optimization potential through which customers can be retained or new customers can be won.