Adults at home a 'major burden' to their parents

Adults living at home are proving a major burden to their parents, making them work harder and retire later, according to Australian research.

A Nielsen Media Research survey of more than 25,000 Australians for Wizard Home Loans found baby-boomer parents with children over 18 at home fare much worse than their counterparts living alone.

Wizard says about 500,000 Australians over 55 are saddled with "boomer busters" leaving about half with less disposable income than those without children.

As a result, busted boomers are working longer hours and putting off their plans for retirement.