Over Half Of Americans Over The Age Of 40 Feel Closer To Their Parents Now Than They Were As Kids, According To A New Survey
When we are young, we can’t help but look up to our parents or caregivers. They act as our guides – teaching us right from wrong, providing comfort and a sense of stability, and leading us toward our futures.
But then, during our teenage years and young adulthood, something switches. All of a sudden, we feel a newfound sense of individuality and independence – and listening to our parents can feel irksome seemingly overnight.
For some teens and young adults, even the thought of hanging out with their mom or dad can start to seem embarrassing.
It is completely natural for relationships between parents and children to ebb and flow as kids grow up and find their own sense of self. However, when does the “awkward” phase die down? And do children inevitably become friends with their parents later down the line?
According to a new survey conducted by Talker Research for Comfort Keepers, the answer is yes.
The survey, which included 2,000 Americans aged 40 and up from April 8 to April 15, showed that 58% actually feel like they are closer to their parents now than they were as kids.
Participants were asked to share their experiences with their parents during their “golden years” or their parent’s senior years, which usually start post-retirement. This revealed that 33% of older American parents and their children enjoy shopping together; meanwhile, 26% like dining out at new restaurants, and 16% relish traveling to new destinations.
About 6% even enjoy heading to concerts together. The most popular artists? The Rolling Stones reigned supreme at 17%, while Usher took second place at 12%, and Taylor Swift was close behind at 11%.
For 88% of the survey respondents, participating in shared activities with their parents has had a beneficial effect on their relationship, too. Plus, 50% claimed this quality time also improved their parent’s mood.
Grady R/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
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Not to mention, the survey showed that the activities senior parents participate in with their adult children have encouraged 35% to be more active. At the same time, 25% have seen boosted confidence.
“Sharing in activities with senior loved ones isn’t just about creating memories and moments of joy for older Americans. It’s about forging lasting connections that enrich the lives of both generations,” said Comfort Keepers spokesperson Sherri Snelling.
“These bonding experiences not only bring happiness but also contribute to a positive mindset towards aging, ultimately promoting longevity and well-being for all ages.”
Perhaps most wholesomely, over half of the survey respondents – 51%, to be exact – also admitted that the lessons their parents taught them during childhood are still valuable to this day.
One in four adult children even said they realized that they are more similar to their parents than they had previously thought. Finally, 58% found that learning these things made their parents seem a lot more relatable.
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