LOGAN WEAVER @LGNWVROver half of Americans say their parent is their best friend, according to a new survey.
The poll of 2,000 Americans over the age of 40 revealed that 58% feel closer to their aging parents, now more than ever before.
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Comfort Keepers for the National Day of Joy on June 26, the survey asked respondents about experiences with parents ‘in their golden years’.
88% of respondents said engaging in shared activities with senior loved ones had an overwhelmingly positive impact on their parent-child relationship.
33% said they were going out shopping with mom or dad, 26% were trying new restaurants, and 16% are traveling to places they've never been before.
Half of those polled said such bonding moments made them more grateful for their time together, and 50% said it improved their loved one’s mood, as an added result.
Notably, 64% of respondents reported their parents were keeping a positive attitude about aging.
The activities they did together had the added benefit of inspiring some parents to stay more active (35%) and made them more open to trying new things (30%).
NEW PARENTING POLL: What Millennial Parents Do to Make Their Days More Joyful
“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 Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, author and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers.
“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.”
Hanging out with your favorite silver senior also means learning more about them.
Four in 10 said they learned something about their parent’s youth that surprised them—including previous marriages, military service, or celebrity connections.
Twenty-five percent learned that they're more similar to their parents than they thought previously—and over half (58%) said that discovering these things about their parents made them much more relatable.
SUMMER FUN: When Does a Trip Turn Into a Vacation – Survey Reveals the Difference to Most Americans
Closer parental bonds also allow for honesty around possible health issues. In that way, it's more important than earlier in life for parental friendships to be nurtured, so communications lines stay open and free-flowing.
Source link