Final answer:
The question examines family contacts and the proximity of living between elders and their adult children, highlighting that a significant majority maintain close relationships and often live nearby each other. It also discusses the support exchanged between generations and changes in family structures such as extended and single-parent households.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question focuses on the contacts between adult children and their elders, as well as the living arrangements within families. The statistics show that 86% of elder adults see at least one child at least once a week, highlighting frequent contact. Furthermore, 75% of elders live within proximity to at least one of their children, usually in the same neighborhood or city. Additionally, it is acknowledged that elders provide both social and financial support to their children, creating a reciprocal relationship.
The family structure in the United States has seen significant changes, with a notable increase in young adults living with their parents and variations in family composition, such as single-parent households and multigenerational living. This transformation affects both the support dynamic within families and the residence patterns of different generations, impacting the way adult children interact with their aging parents.
Lastly, the extended family sometimes plays a critical role in child-rearing, especially when the biological or adoptive parents are absent, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of family systems in facing challenges.