Downsizing and Real Estate Benefits of Moving Closer to Family 11/11/2024 | By Eric J. Wallace Did you know that maintaining strong social connections later in life can bring major health benefits? Moving closer to family can make that a lot easier to achieve. A landmark scientific review of 148 studies, for instance, showed that decreased social contact and greater isolation increases the chance of early death by 50%. The effects come regardless of age, gender, nationality, or health status—and the level of risk compares to smoking and exceeds that of obesity or physical inactivity. What’s more, a new study has found that adults aged 70 or older who live far away from family and/or have poor familial relationships experience worse mental health outcomes compared to counterparts. Isolation has even been linked to greater susceptibility to infectious diseases like the common cold. “Humans are naturally social. Yet the modern way of life in industrialized countries is greatly reducing the quantity and quality of social relationships,” wrote University of Cambridge academic editor Carol Brayne in the editor’s summary of the above-mentioned scientific review. “Many people in these countries no longer live in extended families or even near each other. Instead, they often live on the other side of the country or even across the world from relatives.” Brayne and other medical experts point to lifestyles in places like the Italian island of Sardinia, where residents have extraordinarily long life expectancies, by way of contrast. The area features strong intergenerational communities that “offer plenty of support to old people,” said Dr. Gianni Pes, a senior researcher at Italy’s University of Sassari in a CNN interview. For example, there are no nursing homes in most Sardinian villages. Families eat the majority of meals together and “elderly people stay within the family until the end of their existence.” And the benefits that come from frequent, loving interactions with family and friends add up. Pes says that, for one thing, people in families that share frequent intergenerational meals with one another tend to eat healthier and be more active overall. He and other researchers say they also experience boosted levels of oxytocin and endorphins. The former plays a major role in human bonding, affection, and happiness and is often referred to as the “love hormone.” The latter acts as a natural pain reliever, reduces stress and inflammation, improves mood, and more. Increased levels of both have been linked to reduced risk of heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. The big takeaway is “our social relationships aren’t just kind of an add-on part of our life,” Oxford University Department of Experimental Psychology research associate, Katerina Johnson, told CNN, referring to her 2016 study investigating the link between strong social connections and better health. “They actually are really integral to our physical and mental well-being.” But the argument for seniors to move closer to their kids and grandkids goes beyond enhanced personal health outcomes. There’s a pragmatic element as well: Proximity to family can have benefits for all generations. It can make it easier to find rides to and from doctor’s visits, arrange pet-sitters while traveling, get help with household chores, recover from surgery—and the list goes on. Better still, it’s a good bet that the younger generations will also reap benefits. On one hand, you can pitch in with practical tasks like picking kids up from school or sporting events, watching them on date-nights, and cooking occasional meals. Meanwhile, writes Utah State University research professor, Christina Pay, “A close relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is mutually beneficial when it comes to the health and well-being of both. For instance, we now know children who grow up with greater emotional closeness to their grandparents are less likely to be depressed as adults.” Related: Is multigenerational living right for you? Before moving closer to family No two parent-child or grandparenting relationships are quite the same – and it’s important to consider yours before you make the leap and relocate. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started and assess the situation before moving closer to family. Get your kids’ input It’s important to talk to your kids before you move closer. Having open and honest conversations can help establish mutually agreeable boundaries and expectations. It also reduces the chances of imposing inadvertent friction and stress on your relationships. Lifestyle changes Don’t expect your kids to totally change their lifestyle because you moved closer. On one hand, it’s important to respect their time, space, friendships and personal decisions. On the other, you want to make sure your expectations are aligned with the reality of the situation. That way, you avoid setting you or your kids up for unnecessary disappointments and frustrations. Time commitments It’s important to consider how much time you’d like to spend with your family and how much time they’d like to spend with you. For instance, would your family prefer regular dinners every-other-week, Wednesday potlucks, or to just play-it-by-ear? Do you want to see one another every day, or once or twice a week? Is it okay to pop in unannounced, or should you call or text first? Whatever the case may be, you’ll want to work together to ensure everyone is on the same page. Childcare Raising small children is a lot of work and, if your adult children have them, you’ll want to be sure to address expectations around babysitting in advance. Start by thinking about how much time you’re willing to spend in that role and what your kids will or won’t be comfortable with. Start a conversation by sharing your thoughts and asking for theirs. That should help you establish a routine that’s beneficial and enjoyable for everyone. Read More Eric J. Wallace Eric J. Wallace is a career journalist who writes about food, drink, the outdoors, and the wondrous intersection thereof. His work has appeared in noteworthy publications like “WIRED,” “Best American Food Writing,” “Outside,” “Backpacker,” “Reader's Digest,” “Atlas Obscura,” “All About Beer,” “Modern Farmer,” and “VinePair.”